Top 21 Questions to Ask Trucking Companies

Before deciding to sign with any company, it’s essential to gather as much information as possible. Ask about the types of freight they haul, and the routes they offer—whether local, regional, or over-the-road. Knowing this helps you understand your time away from home and the kind of work you’ll be doing.

You’ll want to ask about available positions such as dry van, intermodal, dedicated, or bulk. These opportunities vary by company and the regions or states they employ in. Some companies also have no-touch, drop-and-hook, or live load/unload setups. If you don’t want to hand unload, it’s important to confirm that in the interview or phone screen.

Always ask about training and if refresher courses are available—especially if you’ve been off the road for a while. Make sure your CDL is up to date and check whether they’ll reimburse for fees or endorsements. Some companies even help with footwear, uniforms, and special courses needed for specific hauls.

Find out if the company has a pet or passenger policy, and whether they use a slip-seat system (where multiple drivers share one truck). Also, ask how long drivers typically stay with the company, and how their hiring process and guidelines are reviewed. These insights will give you a clearer picture of the company’s culture and your potential for career advancement.

Before you sign any contract, ask about business expectations, loading, unloading, and transfer responsibilities. Knowing the total scope of the job upfront will save you stress later. In my own experience, I’ve seen new drivers get surprised by unexpected policies—always ask more questions than you think you need to.

When speaking to recruiters, ask what the starting pay is and how drivers are paid—whether it’s mileage, hourly, or per load. Also ask if pay changes with experience or performance, and whether raises are offered after a certain year or based on longevity and safety. Be sure to ask if miles are consistent or if schedules fluctuate, and whether there’s a guarantee of minimum weekly paycheck amounts. I’ve seen some programs include sign-on bonuses, referral bonus incentives, and even on-demand cash advance options.

What other pay-related costs and extras should I know about?
A: Ask about accessorial pay for time spent loading, unloading, layover, or detention—this can add up each week. Don’t forget to check if the company helps cover expenses like truck washes, fuel, or if they offer a fuel card. These things can affect your total earnings more than you’d think. From what I’ve learned, even small bonuses or programs can help new drivers earn more in their first year.

t’s smart to ask what’s included in the benefits package before accepting any offer. Start by checking if you’re eligible for health, dental, and vision coverage from day one or if there’s a waiting period. Some companies offer a 401(k) with a match, which helps drivers plan for the future. You should also ask about paid vacation, holidays, and time off—especially if you’ve been with your last employer for a longer period. A few trucking companies offer cash bonuses or per diem pay, which can help cover daily costs.

Yes, and they make a big difference. I always ask about terminals and if they have amenities like showers, laundry, or gyms, especially on long routes. Some carriers have military-specific programs where active service members or veterans get credit for their experience, which may also come with guaranteed home time. Over time, loyalty can lead to better perks, so it’s important to understand the total value—not just what you see in the base offer. Ask if any mandatory time away is required too.

This is one of the first questions I always ask. It helps to know the make, model, and average age of the trucks, tractors, and trailers in the fleet. You’ll want to know if the company runs mostly manual or automatic transmissions, and how many miles their equipment usually racks up before it’s replaced. I also look at fuel efficiency and what kind of features the units are spec’d with—things like forward-facing or road-facing cameras really matter to safety and accountability.

Definitely ask about comfort options. Many good carriers install APUs, bunk heaters, power inverters, and even refrigerators and microwaves in their trucks. I’ve also found it helpful to check the size of the sleeper and what kind of bedding or electronics (like tablets) are provided. Ask if the electronic logs (ELD) are user-friendly and what support they offer for repairs and maintenance. Knowing who’s responsible for roadside assistance, and if they have company-owned repair shops, can save a lot of stress. Always get a sense of the total setup before saying yes to any offer.

This is one of the most important questions you can ask before joining any trucking company. From my experience, you should find out what safety features their trucks have—like lane departure warning, collision mitigation systems, and whether the speed is governed for control. I’ve also learned to ask how the company prepares for bad weather, such as if they supply tire chains and allow drivers to shut down when needed. A clean record matters, but so does a culture that puts real effort into keeping drivers safe.

es, and that’s something many overlook. Ask if they offer ongoing training or programs focused on safety improvement. Some carriers even give incentives for clean driving records, which shows they value safe habits. When I was starting out, the companies that offered regular refreshers were the ones where I felt most supported. Ask about the total safety approach—not just policies, but how they’re followed and enforced on a daily basis.

Yes, and it’s something you should definitely ask about. Some trucking companies offer full CDL training, which includes courses and on-the-road experience. When I was starting out, I made sure to ask if the tuition was covered or if they offered reimbursement later. It’s also smart to ask if you’ll be eligible for a paid program right after school. That first step makes a big difference when building your driving career.

Good companies know that getting started isn’t cheap. Ask if they help pay for food and lodging during training. Some also offer a small weekly amount or total coverage to ease the pressure. In my case, the carrier I chose made sure I didn’t have to worry about rent or meals while learning, which allowed me to focus fully. Look for a program that supports you all the way through—not just in the truck, but outside it too.

When I first joined a carrier, I made sure to ask where orientation was held and if my travel arrangements would be covered. Most companies will also tell you what to bring, what you’re allowed to pack, and even what to wear. I remember having to share a room, which is common—so don’t forget to ask if that’s part of the setup. You’ll also want to know how long you’ll be off the road, and if pay is included while you attend.

Not all companies handle it the same, so ask clearly if you’ll get paid during orientation and what’s required to complete it. Some carriers only offer total compensation after finishing all sessions, while others pay daily. Orientation is more than paperwork—it sets the tone for the entire job, so it’s smart to check every detail before showing up.

With over 240,000 trucking jobs available in the U.S. in 2025, the demand for drivers is very high. It’s important to understand your options and the type of position that fits your lifestyle and needs—whether that’s local, regional, or over-the-road. I learned early on that checking a company’s home-time policy, pay, and benefits really matters for keeping a good work-life balance.

Talking to recruiters and getting insight on their training programs, like the Advanced Career Institute or CDL courses, helped me see what perks, insurance, and retirement coverage each carrier offers. Also, learning about the company’s rules and regulations for how they operate was key to my success. I found that carriers active on social media and offering strong employee assistance and incentives tend to be better partners for long-term careers.

Your personal experience matters a lot when entering the trucking world. Every company has a different scale and culture, so it’s best to learn as much as possible about their work style. Talking to current partners or drivers can give you more real-world info. Always contact the company directly to ask about how they support new drivers and what to expect from day one.

To get the total picture, ask about their training, benefits, and how they treat drivers long-term. You want a company that offers good support and values your experience. Reach out to recruiters or use social media to hear from drivers already working there. This helps ensure the company is the right fit for your career goals.