Choosing a trucking company is one of the most important decisions a driver can make — and it should never be based on pay alone.
When you’re exploring truck driver jobs, it’s easy to get caught up in compensation numbers. And while pay is undeniably critical, if it's the only thing you're focused on, you might find yourself disappointed later.
To make a confident, informed decision, you need to look beyond the paycheck and evaluate the company as a whole. The best company for you will depend on how they treat their drivers, the stability of their business, their customer base, home time policies, and the quality of their equipment. These are the factors that truly determine your long-term happiness at a company.
As a driver consultant at Anderson Trucking Service (ATS), I pride myself on helping drivers understand all aspects of our company and our programs so they can get a clear understanding of whether or not ATS offers what they need to meet their goals. I want to help you do the same thing, whether or not you are considering ATS as an option in your search.
By the time you’re done reading this article, you’ll be able to properly vet each trucking company you’re looking at, rather than just making your decision based on pay.
1. Evaluate the Company’s Customer Base
A strong customer base is the foundation of a stable trucking company. When carriers act as in-house transportation providers for a large share of their clients, that means loyalty — and loyalty translates into consistent freight and income for drivers.
Ask your recruiter questions such as:
- What type of freight will I be hauling?
- Where are your customers located?
- Are the main lanes in regions I'll enjoy driving?
2. Confirm the Company's Financial Stability
Stability matters more than ever when choosing a trucking company. Established carriers in strong financial shape are far better positioned to handle market fluctuations.
Ask how the company performed during challenging times like the pandemic or the subsequent freight recession. If they continued operating successfully, that’s a strong indicator that they’ll be around for years to come — and that your paycheck will be, too.
3. Understand Home Time Policies
Home time directly impacts your lifestyle and family balance. Before signing on, be sure the company’s freight lanes and schedules fit your personal needs. If you want to be home every night, look for local or regional positions. Some of the highest-paying jobs are over-the-road (OTR) positions that require weeks away from home, but driving OTR can be a tough lifestyle to adjust to if you're used to a more balanced work-life schedule.
Ask current drivers whether home time requests are respected and compare recruiter promises to driver reviews. If home time is important to you, find a carrier that values it just as much.
And to that end: it's not uncommon for a truck driver to switch trucking companies because the promised pay rate looked great — until they realized they could only earn that amount if they’re out on the road for three weeks at a time.
Be sure to clarify with your recruiter what the average annual take-home is for drivers with a similar home time schedule to what you're looking for. This will give you a better idea of what you can actually expect to make while maintaining your preferred work-life balance.
4. Review Equipment Quality & Availability
The trucks you drive are your workplace — and the quality of that equipment can make or break your experience. Ask about the average age of the fleet, truck makes and models, and maintenance schedules. Carriers that invest in new, well-maintained equipment demonstrate their commitment to driver safety and comfort.
If you have preferences, such as driving only Freightliners or Volvos, make sure the company can meet those expectations before you attend orientation. You’ll be happier and more productive when you’re behind the wheel of equipment you trust.
5. Look for a Culture of Driver Respect
At the end of the day, you deserve to work for a company that values and respects its drivers. Talk to other drivers about their experiences and ask specific questions:
- Do they feel like part of a team, or just another number?
- Is management approachable?
- Does the company make an effort to recognize drivers during events like Driver Appreciation Week?
A culture of respect leads to greater job satisfaction, lower turnover, and a better working environment overall. Companies that treat their drivers well tend to foster open communication and long-term loyalty.
Ask Recruiters the Right Questions to Find the Right Fit
Ultimately, the best way to find the right carrier is to ask detailed questions — and lots of them.
Don’t be swayed by flashy ads or promises of high pay without understanding what’s behind them. Talk to recruiters, connect with drivers, and do your research before making a move.
At Anderson Trucking Service (ATS), we’ve been family-owned and operated since 1955, now led by a third-generation Anderson. We serve more than 2,000 customers, a base built on our foundation of respect, stability, and family values. We take pride in helping drivers find the best possible fit for their careers. If you're interested in learning more about driving with ATS, check out our current openings.