If you’re looking for a job, you should consider becoming a truck driver. Experts at The Star estimate that the trucking industry is around 51,000 drivers short of the number it needs to meet demand.
And trucking companies want to make it worth your while: they’ve increased wages 10 percent on average over the last 18 months, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. Some even offer signing bonuses of up to $8,000 to attract drivers.
Here are five truck companies that want you:
1. C.R. England
The largest refrigerated carrier, C.R. England already employs 6,700 drivers – but right now, the trucking company is looking for at least 500 more.
C.R. England’s topmost core value is safety. Managers want drivers to maintain a healthy, happy balance between life on the road and at home. C.R. England is also committed to creating a cleaner environment. It has won several industry awards for its efforts.
The company is looking for both new and experienced CDL-A drivers with clean driving records. Training for getting a license is provided.
Benefits for qualifying employees include the following:
- Weekly pay
- Consistent home time
- Health insurance including dental and vision
- Life insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid vacation
- Bonus incentives
- Unlimited cash-for-referrals program
The application process begins by filling out a short form on the company’s website. Entry-level drivers start at $570 per week, which breaks down to $14.25 per hour.
2. Swift Transportation
Swift Transportation boasts more than 16,000 trucks, 60,000 trailers and 16,000 drivers, and the company prides itself on state-of-the-art equipment. According to its website, you’ll never drive a truck that’s more than 3 years old.
The company is strongly committed to helping its employees advance in their careers. There are continued education programs for becoming a mentor or working in a Swift terminal.
Newcomers can expect to start at between $17 and $18.50 per hour. Employees are further rewarded for the number of miles they drive, on-time deliveries, customer satisfaction, safety records, and longevity. Long hauls, known as over-the-road or OTR routes, earn bonuses of up to $3,000.
In addition to benefits such as insurance, prescription drug plans, weekly pay, and paid vacation, Swift offers these perks:
- Leasing program
- Stock purchase program
- Rider program
- Program for nonaggressive, vaccinated dogs weighing up to 40 pounds
Swift is currently advertising for drivers throughout the U.S., and you can apply on the website.
3. Knight Transportation
With a fleet of 4,000 tractors and 8,800 trailers, Knight is a smaller outfit than some on the list. However, it continues to grow and thrive. It now has close to 5,000 employees, and it has made the Forbes list of Top 200 Best Small Companies for 15 years running.
Knight emphasizes efficiency, safety and customer service. The company is financially strong and has a bright future. The culture is based on trust, respect and transparency. While offering all the benefits of a large corporation, there’s a small-business, family vibe. Principals are firm believers in developing talent, providing mentors and promoting from within.
Here are other advantages of working for Knight:
- A diverse fleet with cutting-edge, frequently recycled equipment
- Dry van refrigerated or port-and-rail opportunities
- More than 30 service centers with full amenities across the country
- A choice of daily or weekly pay
- High ratio of dispatch and support per driver
- One-on-one relationships with managers, trainers and service staff
Knight currently has dozens of jobs posted for every level from CDL trainees to experienced OTR drivers. Training is not yet provided in every state, so call 1-888-4KNIGHT to inquire.
Average starting pay is $10 per hour, but career growth is one of Knight’s most important values.
4. FFE Transportation
FFE is short for Frozen Food Express, and the company has been around for 75 years. It’s one of the largest temperature-controlled carriers in North America, and it’s been listed among Forbes’ Best Companies to Work For.
FFE actively supports SmartWay Transport Partner, an organization committed to environmental initiatives; the Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association, a group dedicated to making rural highways safe; and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The company embraces diversity and the personal development of its employees.
FFE is advertising for experienced less-than-load drivers in several states. LTL drivers have relatively small freight, stay closer to home, and develop a good rapport with direct customers. Based on your location, you could earn a $5,000 signing bonus and up to $1,100 per week.
These additional benefits make FFE a great place to work:
- Company-sponsored training
- Weekly home time
- Weekly pay
- Paid vacation
- Rider program
- Open-door management policy
There are also opportunities for company drivers and owner operators. The qualifications for each job are listed on FFE’s website.
5. Amazon Flex
This one’s a little different. You get to drive your own vehicle, set your own hours, and make between $18 and $25 per hour delivering packages for one of these services:
- Amazon.com
- Amazon Prime Now
- AmazonFresh grocery delivery
- Amazon Restaurants local restaurant delivery
Amazon Flex currently operates in 50 markets across the U.S. If you don’t see your area on the website, you can specify your location and wait for Amazon to notify you when Flex becomes available there.
For Amazon.com deliveries, you must have a vehicle with at least four doors. For the other services, any reliable vehicle will do.
You must also have an iPhone 5 or newer model or an Android 6.0 or newer model. You’ll need GPS and a camera for scanning bar codes. You’ll frequently use the Amazon Flex app, and you can only install it through the link provided on the Amazon Flex website.
You can “cash out” and get your pay twice a week. Your earning power depends on how many orders need to be delivered and how many drivers are in your area.
Become a Truck Driver Today
With manufacturers scrambling for drivers every day, there’s no better time to apply with these companies. You can immediately begin working towards your hiring bonus, hitting the road and racking up a fantastic income. All it takes to get started is applying for one of the thousands of truck driver job openings available right now!
If you’re interested in becoming a truck driver, start a search for your new job today.
