65 Key Questions All Truck Drivers Should Ask Recruiters Before Saying “Yes”

Key Takeaways:

• Asking the right recruiter questions goes beyond pay and home time — it helps avoid mismatched jobs.

• Drivers should focus on six key categories: application/orientation, company reputation, pay/benefits, home time, equipment, and freight details.

• These questions uncover red flags, clarify lifestyle fit, and ensure the carrier’s stability and support.

• Using this checklist makes it easier to compare carriers side by side and choose a long-term fit.

You’ve put in the miles researching trucking companies for CDL drivers and have narrowed your list to a few top contenders. Now comes the part that can make or break your next move: asking the right trucking recruiter questions before you sign on.

Too many drivers skip this step or only ask about pay and home time. That’s a fast way to end up in the wrong seat — and back on the job hunt sooner than you’d like.

As a driver recruiter here at Anderson Trucking Service (ATS), I talk to drivers every day who want more than just a job — they want a position that fits their lifestyle, goals, and bottom line.

The truth is, recruiters will answer what you ask . . . but if you don’t ask the right questions, you may miss the red flags.

In this article, we’ll give you those questions grouped into six driver-focused categories that match what you actually care about:

• Application & Orientation
• Company Reputation & Stability
• Pay & Benefits
• Home Time & Lifestyle Fit
• Equipment & Maintenance
• Work & Freight Details

Keep it handy when you talk to a recruiter, and you’ll walk away with the full picture before making your decision.

Application & Orientation Questions: What to Ask About New Driver Onboarding

As you begin your conversation, start by getting a lay of the land. These questions will ensure you’re aware of all application requirements (if you haven’t completed an application already) and know exactly what the onboarding process looks like.

• What baseline requirements do you have for CDL drivers to be eligible for hire?
• What is the application process like, and what is your typical turnaround time?
• What information will I need to provide in my application?
• What’s the difference between being pre-approved, approved, and hired?
• Will my recruiter stay in touch after I’m hired?
• Where is orientation held, and how long is it?
• Will travel, lodging, and meals be covered?
• Do drivers get a private room, or do they share?
• Can I bring my spouse and/or pet to orientation? Is there a pet fee?
• Will I pick up my truck at orientation?
• Will I get printed orientation materials, or should I be prepared to take my own notes?
• Will I be routed home after orientation to get my belongings?
  
  

Company Reputation & Stability: Choosing the Right Trucking Carrier for You

Before you worry about pay or perks, first make sure the company will still be around next year. The following questions will help you suss out a carrier’s size, longevity in the industry, and general driver satisfaction.

• How long has your company been in business?
• How financially stable is your company?
• How did the company perform during recent market downturns?
• Where are your headquarters and terminals located?
• How big is your fleet?
• Do you own your trucks and trailers, or are they leased?
• What's your driver turnover rate and average tenure? (Why it matters: Low turnover can signal satisfied drivers.)
• What's your safety record?
• Are services like payroll and dispatch handled in-house or outsourced?

Pay & Benefits: Truck Driver Pay Questions That Pay to Ask

It’s true that money isn’t everything — but if it’s not right, you’re unlikely to be satisfied in your new trucking job for long. Use these questions to get the real answers about a carrier’s pay program, from average take-home to bonuses and other benefits.

• Do you have a guaranteed pay program?
• How do you pay: cents per mile (CPM), percentage, or both?
• What’s the average weekly and/or annual pay for company drivers, gross and net?
• For lease drivers, what’s my average weekly and/or annual gross pay after expenses?
• What is your current CPM rate?
• How much of the billed fuel surcharge do lease drivers keep?
• What are your policies for detention, layover, and stop pay?
• Is tarping paid, and if so, how much?
• How often do drivers get paid?
• Do you offer direct deposit?
• Is there a sign-on bonus, and if so, what are the conditions?
• What health, dental, and vision insurance options do you offer?
• Do you offer a retirement plan?
• Do you offer holiday or vacation pay?
• Is paid time off available for company drivers?
• Do you have a driver referral bonus program?

Home Time & Lifestyle Fit: Questions About Trucker Work-Life Balance

At the end of the day, even the biggest paycheck isn’t worth it if you can’t live the life you want. The following questions are all about determining whether this carrier will be a good fit for your desired lifestyle, so you can find the balance that works best for you and your family.

• What area of the country will I be running in?
• What’s the home time policy? (e.g., days home for days out)
• How many days or weeks are drivers typically out?
• Is holiday home time guaranteed?
• How often can I expect home time requests to be met, and how quickly will I hear back about them?
• How many days do I need to stay out to hit your average pay numbers?

Equipment & Maintenance: What to Ask About Your Truck

Your truck is your office — so make sure it’s one you can work in! A carrier’s equipment and maintenance policies can be especially impactful on your efficiency (and stress) as a driver.

Knowing how old your equipment will be, who pays for repairs and upkeep, and what your in-cab tech will be like is key, so ask these questions to get the answers you need.

• What makes and models are in your fleet?
• How old is the average truck in your fleet?
• Do trucks come with APUs and inverters?
• What ELD provider do you use, and what is the in-cab technology like?
• Are pets allowed, and if yes, is there a fee?
• What's the passenger policy?
• Can lease drivers customize or alter their trucks?
• How well-maintained is the fleet?
• Who pays for repairs, and how does it differ for company vs. lease drivers?
• Can repairs be done outside your facilities?
• Do you require a maintenance account?

Work & Freight Details: Questions About Trucking Routes, Freight Types, and Dispatch

Some drivers think variety is the spice of life (and trucking), while others love to find their groove hauling a specific freight type or running certain lanes. Whatever work style is your preference, use these questions to find out exactly what kind of loads you'll haul and miles you'll run before you commit.

• What kinds of freight do you haul? (Flatbed, dry van, heavy haul, etc.)
• What's the typical freight mix, contract vs. spot?
• How many states do you run in?
• Do you run into Canada and/or Mexico?
• Will I have to run in markets like the Northeast or NYC? How often?
• Will I be responsible for loading and unloading, and if yes, what equipment is provided?
• Will I be tarping? How often?
• How many drivers does each dispatcher manage?
• Do you require forced dispatch?
• Are there weather-related driving requirements, like chaining?
• What training or safety programs are available, and how frequently?

The Final Mile: Bring This List to Every Recruiter Call

Print it, save it to your phone, whatever works — but use it. The answers will help you compare carriers side-by-side and avoid surprises down the road.

This guide covered the essential questions CDL drivers need answered before choosing a new carrier. By using these questions as your roadmap, you’ll not only gather the details that impact your day-to-day work but also gain the insight you need to spot the difference between a short-term gig and a long-term, strategic move.

We know searching for the right truck driving job isn’t just about finding your next paycheck; it's about finding a place where you’re respected, supported, and able to build the life you want.

It can feel overwhelming when every carrier promises “the best” opportunities, but the reality is that not all of them will fit your needs. Asking the right questions is your best defense against making a choice you’ll regret.

When you're ready to ask these truck driver recruiting questions to ATS, fill out an application here and expect a call from a recruiter within one business day. We'll answer every question you can throw at us and then some.

Don’t wait and let the perfect opportunity pass you by — use this list today, start making calls, and get one step closer to a driving job that truly works for you.