Are you starting at a new carrier?
Your first 90 days are crucial. This period is often when drivers face the most challenges and carriers see the highest turnover rates. Let's dive into what you can expect and how to navigate these early days to ensure you’re set up for long-term success.
I’ve worked at Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) since 2015 and, in that time, I’ve worked with drivers both in driver orientation and as a driver manager. When I onboard new drivers on my fleet, I do everything I can to set them up for success. That means sending them resources like articles and videos to get them used to new technology, talking through their pay schedule, letting them know who to call when I’m not in the office, and talking about their expectations. That’s just touching the surface.
Using my decade of experience in this industry, I’ll describe the ways you can onboard with a new carrier successfully so you feel supported and ready to make the most of your new career path.
If you get a grasp on these things, the rest will follow:
- Drive manager relationship
- New freight lanes
- New truck and technology
- Pay schedule
- Support resources
1. Meet with Your Driver Manager (DM)
Effective communication with your DM is key to a smooth onboarding process. Your DM is your main point of contact and can help you navigate the ins and outs of your new carrier.
You should meet with your new driver manager as soon as possible — if not during your first week at driver orientation.
Here’s how to make the most of this relationship:
- Open Dialogue: Be honest about your needs and expectations. Ask for what you need when it comes to home time, pay, and freight preferences. Here at ATS, I’ll do everything in my power to make sure we’re meeting your needs — but I can’t do that if my drivers don’t tell me what they are.
- Clarify Expectations: You should know what to expect from your company. For example, if you have a family emergency or breakdown, talk to your DM about the company’s support resources. Talk through company policies and regulations and any other concerns. Make sure you understand how to submit paperwork and send requests in for home time.
Going into your first meeting with your new DM with a list of questions is a great idea. Clear communication and expectations help prevent misunderstandings. Don’t forget to ask them these four questions.
- Learning Styles: Inform your DM about how you prefer to receive information — whether it’s visual, verbal, or hands-on. Your DM should adapt to your learning style so you can work together most effectively. For example, if drivers in my fleet are hands-on learners, we’ll meet in person and I’ll directly walk them through policies.
Sometimes you have to have tough conversations with your DM; they’re inevitable. You should feel like you can talk through difficult situations together. That’s why the tips above are so crucial.
Here are some additional tips to help you communicate with your DM effectively.
2. Adjust to New Freight Lanes
Understanding and adapting to new freight lanes is crucial for efficient driving and timely deliveries. Here are some things to learn early on:
- Know the Routes: Familiarize yourself with the main routes and terminals. Will you be going to big shippers and receivers? Or will you be going to small shops? You should learn more about the nature of the freight you’ll be handling right away. Understand the types of customers you’ll be delivering to and their expectations when you’re onsite, too.
- Forced Dispatch: Clarify if you are on forced dispatch or if you have the option to accept or reject loads.
- Freight Types Familiarize yourself with the type of freight you’ll be hauling. If you’re hauling specialized freight, what will loads look like?
3. Adapt to a New Truck and Technology
Getting comfortable with new equipment and technology can take time. Here’s how to ease the transition:
- Truck Features: Each truck may handle differently. Once you’re in a new truck, spend time learning about your new truck’s features, including safety systems like adaptive cruise control. It’s better to know where all the systems are located on a new truck model before you start driving.
- Technology Training: Take advantage of any training offered on technology you’re not familiar with yet, such as electronic logging devices (ELDs) and dash cameras.
- Support Resources: Utilize resources like tutorial videos or safety departments that offer guidance on truck features and safety protocols. I often send my new drivers videos explaining equipment they’re unfamiliar with. Ask your driver manager for these resources.
In addition to a new truck and technology you’re not accustomed to, you may have new safety policies to learn and implement. Make sure you have a clear understanding of your company’s safety expectations. Safety should always be a top priority on the road, so your company’s expectations should be crystal clear to you.
4. Know How You’re Getting Paid
One of the most common reasons drivers leave carriers is because of pay — whether they’re not making enough or they weren’t clear on how the pay program worked and it ultimately didn’t suit them.
Understanding your pay structure is essential to avoid any surprises. From the start, you should know how and when you’re getting paid. You’ll learn some of this information from your recruiter, but it’s best to clarify when you talk to your DM upon becoming a certified driver with the company.
Cover the following:
- Pay Schedule: Know when your first paycheck will arrive and what it will include (orientation pay, mileage, per diem, etc.). Will you get paid for orientation? Do you get a sign-on bonus? When will your first load pay out? When you go to a new company, chances are you’re going a week or two without pay between waiting to start at a new company and sitting in orientation. Knowing when you’ll get that first paycheck is crucial.
- Payment Details: Make sure you understand whether you’re paid by mileage, percentage, or something else entirely. Check if you’re eligible for bonuses or additional pay structures.
- Documentation: Learn the process for submitting paperwork and ensuring it’s completed and sent in on time to meet payroll deadlines. Your paycheck will always be late if you submit the paperwork late.
5. Get Access to Support Resources
Make sure you know where to turn for help when you need it. You’ll likely learn a lot of this information in orientation, but it’s hard to remember everything. Make sure you cover the following information with your driver manager and have it in writing where it’s easily accessible:
- Emergency Procedures: Understand what to do if you break down or face an emergency on the road. Know the company’s policies and how they will support you. Will they put you up in a hotel while you wait for repairs? Will they try to get you into another truck?
- Training and Assistance: If you’re a new driver or need extra help with certain skills like backing or maneuvering, find out what training is available. You may even be able to work with a driver mentor.
- Extended Coverage: Familiarize yourself with support teams, such as roadside assistance or extended coverage teams, who can help when your DM isn’t available.
Work With ATS Driver Managers
Starting with a new carrier is an exciting but challenging time. By focusing on clear communication, adjusting to new routes and equipment, understanding your pay, and knowing where to find support, you can set yourself up for a successful transition.
Remember, your first 90 days are just the beginning of what can be a rewarding career. Stay proactive, be honest about your needs, and make use of the resources available to you.
Here at ATS, we pride ourselves on our driver manager training program — designed with you, the driver, in mind. The three-part series helps our team prepare to support our drivers in every step of their journey.
Learn more and decide if ATS is the right carrier for you.