Driving for a Smaller Company Rather than a Corporate Giant can Make all the Difference for Your Career…
When it comes to driving a big rig, you might already be aware that you’ve got options—with an estimated 231,000 trucking positions opening up each year, drivers are in demand.
That also means you don’t have to settle for less…
And you shouldn’t! The opportunity to find a better employer is there, you just have to take it.
If you’ve been looking for a new trucking job, or you’re new to the industry, you’ll want to do some digging before you sign the hiring paperwork.
So, if you’re looking for a new employer to get you behind the wheel and you’re not sure what to look for, keep reading! We’ll explain the key differences between small and large trucking companies, and what you should expect from both types of employers.
Figure Out How You Want to Work First
Of course, all trucking companies are different, and we’re only talking about small and large companies in general terms.
There are many other factors you’ll need to consider before you choose a new employer.
Consider how you want to work before you decide who you want to work for…
- Do you want to drive over-the-road vs. local routes?
- Do you have the skills to drive potentially dangerous roads in poor weather?
- Do you care what kind of cargo you’re hauling?
- Do you want percentage pay or hourly pay?
These are just a few questions you should ask yourself before you dive into a new trucking job. Weigh your options carefully, and don’t be afraid to walk away from an employment opportunity if it doesn’t seem right for you and your skillset.
Large v. Small Trucking Companies: The Pros and Cons
We can’t speak for every trucking company out there, but we’ll tell you what we’ve learned from 80+ years of experience in this industry.
First of all, every company comes with its pros and cons. And not every company will have everything you want for the class a truck driving job.
Still, there are a few key points you should consider, especially when it comes to the size of a company.
Chances are, a larger corporate company will offer a more structured environment. If you choose to work for a larger company you can probably expect:
The Pros
- More “drop and hook” loads
- More travel opportunities
- Consistent job opportunities
The Cons
- A rigorous, structured work environment
- Lower-quality fleet vehicles
- May view drivers as numbers rather than people
Overall, larger companies tend to treat their employees as resources. This isn’t always the case, but a large, corporate work environment means more work and less room for error.
A smaller company, on the other hand, can offer benefits a larger company simply cannot:
The Pros
- A family-like work environment
- Generally nicer and newer equipment
- Individual recognition and respect for safe driving/hard work
- Better in-company communication
The Cons
- Less consistent job opportunities (depending on the company)
- Fewer opportunities to travel long distances
- A less structured work environment
Trucking Companies: The Bottom Line
The bottom line is, that most large companies treat their drivers more like numbers than people—that’s a problem that can go beyond the workplace.
Working for a corporation often means less opportunity to communicate, more difficulty getting time off, smaller benefits packages, and more.
If you ask us, the only real advantage of a large company is the structure it provides and the consistent work opportunities they give.
Fortunately, consistent job opportunities aren’t limited to large companies, and many smaller companies offer all the benefits of a larger company without the disadvantages of a corporate job.
Drive with a Company you Can Depend on…
At JFW, we recognize that our drivers are just people—it sounds simple, but treating drivers like robots happens more often than larger companies care to admit.
We’re dedicated to creating a supportive work environment where you can earn a living and actually enjoy getting behind the wheel every morning.
Our commitment to providing the best service extends to the pay and benefits we offer our drivers. We understand that running a successful business starts with our drivers.
That’s why we offer…
- Paid Time Off
- Local CDL Jobs Denver only local routes
- Health benefits (healthcare, dental, vision, and savings plans)
- Retirement plans
- Paid holidays (New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day)
- Quarterly bonuses for driving safely
- Modern equipment (2017 or newer) and a skilled mechanic team
Ready to drive with a company you can depend on with the pay and benefits to match your skillset?
Well, look forward to seeing what you can do.
Click here to APPLY NOW!