How to Hire New Truck Drivers With GigSmart
When it comes to transporting goods, hiring a reliable and skilled commercial truck driver with a valid CDL is essential. However, hiring truck drivers with the right experience for your business needs can be daunting. Luckily, with GigSmart, anyone can easily find and hire qualified truck driver candidates in any state.
Not sure where to start? Keep these simple steps in mind as you go through the process of finding and hiring the best candidates.
Full-time vs. Freelance Commercial Truck Drivers
When it comes to hiring drivers, you have two options: hiring drivers full-time or part-time and freelance. The best way to make your decision is by breaking down the costs associated with each:
Full-Time Drivers
- Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual average salary for heavy and long-haul truck drivers was $48,920 as of May 2020.
- Benefits: As an employer, you’ll be responsible for providing great benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- Training: You may need to provide CDL training for new drivers, which can be costly.
Freelance Drivers
- Hourly Rate: Freelance truck drivers typically charge an hourly rate or rate per mile, which can vary depending on the driver’s experience, location, and type of truck.
- No Benefits: Freelance drivers typically don’t receive benefits like health insurance or paid time off.
- No Training Costs: Since freelance drivers usually have years of experience, your company won’t need to provide training, which can be a deciding factor for small business owners.
Types of Truck Drivers
When it comes to commercial driving, there are several types of career CDL drivers, each with their own specific experience and skills. Here are the most common types of truck drivers:
Flatbed Truckers
Flatbed truckers are responsible for transporting large, oversized, or irregularly shaped loads. They must have experience safely positioning and securing freight to prevent it from shifting during transport.
Dry Van Truckers
Dry van truckers transport non-perishable goods in enclosed trailers. They must have experience maneuvering in tight spaces and navigating through urban routes and areas.
Tanker Truckers
Tanker truckers transport liquids or gases in tank trailers. They must have experience handling hazardous materials and following strict safety protocols according to state laws.
Refrigerated Truckers
Refrigerated truckers, also known as Reefer truckers, transport perishable goods that require temperature-controlled environments. They must have experience maintaining the temperature of the cargo and operating the refrigeration system.
Essential Skills You Need in a Truck Driver
Regardless of the type of commercial truck driver you need, there are minimum requirements and certain essential skills you should look for in a trucking industry candidate.
A Valid Class A CDL
A Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required to operate a tractor-trailer or combination vehicle. This license indicates that the driver has passed both a written and practical driving test.
A Clean, Safe Driving Record
A clean driving record is crucial when it comes to commercial driving. Employers want to hire dedicated drivers whose background checks show a history of safe driving and obeying traffic laws.
Ability to Pass a DOT Physical
All commercial truck drivers must pass a physical from the Department of Transportation. The physical ensures that drivers are in good health and able to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
Hire The Right Commercial Truck Driver
Commercial drivers are essential to the transportation industry and play a crucial role in the economy. Attract and hire the right CDL drivers for your business by writing a thorough job description that includes a complete list of duties and responsibilities, as well as a schedule if your business requires long hours. Any previous experience, or certifications that you want your new truck drivers to possess should also be included, to guarantee you get a high-quality, professional CDL driver that meets your needs and goals.
GigSmart gives you instant access to a wide selection of experienced, local truck driver candidates, making it easy and efficient to find the perfect fit. Get started today.
Stephen J.Newark, NJ
