CDL Job Seekers Guide - Critical Questions You MUST Ask Before Selecting A Company To Drive For - November 8th, 2018

Sep 18, 2026

Guide for prospective Class A CDL drivers seeking employment, emphasizing how to evaluate employers through a two-way interview process. Provides background and key findings on the U.S. trucking driver shortage, including demographic trends and the industry-wide need for new drivers over the next decade. Concludes that CDL drivers have broad opportunity when maintaining a protected driving record, and recommends asking specific, practical questions about hiring standards, wages, pay structure, home time policy, CSA safety scores, and available training and programs.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryTechnology

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

American Trucking Associations (ATA) Background Information

Key ATA Findings

Conclusion

Critical Questions

Hiring standards and qualifications

Wages and pay structure

Home time policy

CSA safety scores

Training and programs

Commercial Driver License (CDL) Job Seekers Guide Critical Questions You MUST Ask Before Selecting A Company To Drive For November 8th, 2018 3855 Marcola Road Springfield Oregon [www.driveleavitts.com](www.driveleavitts.com) INTRODUCTION As a Class “A” CDL driver, you are not just looking for a job, you are seeking a professional vocation with an employer who shares your values. A CDL driver today with a solid driving record is in the “Drivers Seat” (pun intended) . YOU decide where you work and the potential opportunities are virtually unlimited. First, let’s look at some background & key information published by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) in their October 2017 “Truck Driver Shortage Analysis”. American Trucking Associations (ATA) Background Information Over the past 15 years, the trucking industry has struggled with a shortage of truck drivers. The shortfall was first documented in a 2005 report. At that time, the shortage was roughly 20,000 with the shortage expected to surpass 50,000 by the end of 2017. The industry has historically struggled to attract all segments of the population as just 6% of truck drivers in 2016 were women. This percentage hasn’t changed much historically, ranging from 4.5% to 6% over the last 15 years. In 2016, 38.7% of drivers were minorities, which has jumped 12 percentage points from 26.6% in 2001. Today, motor carriers struggle to find enough qualified drivers, which makes the impact of the shortage seem much worse than the numbers in this report. Many carriers, despite being short drivers, are highly selective in hiring drivers because they have made safety and professionalism high priorities. The driver shortage is really a problem for the entire supply chain as 70.6% of all freight tonnage is moved on the nation’s highways. KEY ATA FINDINGS If current trends hold, the shortage could swell to over 174,000 by 2026 The truck driver shortage probably seems much worse to motor carriers than the current figures suggest because of a quality versus quantity issue. Many carriers have strict hiring criteria based on driving history, experience, and other factors. As a result, despite receiving applications for employment, motor carriers are finding few eligible candidates, which is a quality issue. According to a 2015 study, 88% of fleets said they were getting enough applicants, but many were simply not qualified. There is no reason to believe that this situation has improved since 2015. Over the next decade, the trucking industry will need to hire roughly 898,000 new drivers, or an average of nearly 90,000 per year. Replacing retiring truck drivers will be by far the largest factor, accounting for nearly half of new driver hires (49%) . The second largest factor will be industry growth, accounting for 28% of new driver hires. CONCLUSION The background information and key findings outlined in the ATA report clearly substantiate that CDL drivers in the United States have opportunities afforded few vocations, they can choose where they work provided they have protected there driving record and avoided preventable accidents, equipment inspection violations, speeding citations, other traffic tickets, etc. A drivers Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) and CSA Score Card for all intents and purposes is a Professional Resume. Critical Questions You MUST Ask Before Selecting a Company to Drive For Keep in mind that while you are seeking a job, the interview process is a two way street. Prior to starting your job search, make sure you know why you want to be a commercial truck driver. If currently employed as a CDL driver, define why you want to move to another company and if you are new to the industry, research as much as possible and define which aspect of the industry you are interested in i.e., Long Haul, Reginal, Local, Van, Refer, Flatbed, Tanker, etc. Do not hesitate to reach out to industry managers, leaders and other CDL drivers for advice and fee

FAQs

Why does the guide emphasize asking critical questions before selecting a driving company?

It frames the interview as a two-way process and helps job seekers make a thorough, well-thought-out employment decision by verifying key requirements and expectations.

What background information does the guide use to support the availability of CDL opportunities?

It summarizes American Trucking Associations findings about an ongoing driver shortage, including projections for continued growth and the impact on the supply chain.

Which topics does the guide recommend covering with a motor carrier during the hiring process?

It highlights hiring standards, expected gross wages and pay method, first paycheck timing, home time rules, CSA basic scores, required experience and paid training, and whether pet or rider programs are offered.

Sep 18, 2026

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