Choosing a trucking company is one of the most important decisions a driver can make — and it should never be based on pay alone.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires every trucking company to send new drivers through orientation. The DOT also requires carriers to cover specific information during orientation, including safety information and hours of service (HOS).

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.