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