Driver Resources

Whether you are just getting started in the transportation industry, or you are a seasoned veteran, our start up guide provides helpful resources for your next career move. This is a great industry with tremendous opportunities for everyone. It does not matter if you are starting your own company or driving as an employee, there are plenty of opportunities.

Please see the links at the bottom including texting and mobile phone laws for drivers

Driving For Yourself...

Driving As An Employee

Driving as an employee can be the perfect match of the income you are looking for without the risk of running your own business, or the startup costs. Here are a few items to keep in mind when comparing companies to drive for...

First, seek professional advice whenever possible, especially for business entity status or filings, accounting, taxes, and compliance.

We recommend setting up a corporation or LLC. Ask your accountant which one is better for you. There are many risks and restrictions associated with driving under your own personal name.

For example, you cannot rent a commercial vehicle under your personal name. You will also find shippers and brokers who cannot work with individuals. Most will require you to be a business.

Think of a professional sounding name. You do not have to be over creative. Initials are fine. CJM Logistics Inc. is more than adequate. Avoid choosing a name that make it difficult to get customers or funding. Would you lend $500,000 to or hire a company called "Kiss My A## Trucking?" Keep it professional.

Most states have a simple online process to setup a business. Check your Secretary of State website to make sure the name you choose is available.

Once you have a corporate ID (FEIN- Federal Employer Identification Number) setup a bank account under your business name.

If possible, setup a business address that is not your personal residence. You might have to use your residence, but you will have a much easier time establishing business credit if you have a business address.

Also, setup a website. It does not have to be fancy. Just let people be able to find your company name.

You will also need to obtain a DOT number and an MC Number.

Now for the fun part. Once you have a legal business you need to acquire a vehicle, get insurance, start following DOT regulations (including a physical and drug screening), and of course find customers.

Keep in mind if you are a new driver it may be difficult to find insurance. Many insurance carriers like to see at least two years of driving experience which makes it difficult to get started.

Starting a new company will make it difficult to lease equipment. Explore all options, you might find the right opportunity. Do not let us talk you out of trying, we are just trying to prepare you for what you might run into. Typically, leasing companies like to see a couple of years in business. If you are able to lease a vehicle, deposits of $10,000-$20,000 are common requirements.

For more information on additional DOT regulations to follow, please look on the FMCSA site here: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/do-i-need-usdot-number

What will you drive?

What else do you have to do besides drive?

What will you haul?

Is your pay guaranteed?

For Over The Road Drivers...

Are your miles guaranteed? Don't leave your current job because someone offers 10 cents per/ mile higher pay, then find out you drive 40,000 less miles.
How do they handle delay pay?
What happens if the customer will not unload you?
Are you sleeping in hotels or truck stops? If it's truck stops, do the trucks have refrigerators, TV's, microwaves, APU's?

It is important to know what you will drive. You will be spending 11 hours per/ day behind the wheel. Are you driving a brand new truck with automatic transmission? Or a 10 year old truck with a million miles on it? Remember, every time that truck breaks down the clock is running against your hours of service.

Does your truck have safety features like collision mitigation or LED lights?

General trucking you might not know what you are hauling but find out as much as you can. Are you hauling hazardous material? Are you hauling something high value or more likely to be stolen?

Is this simply a drop and hook operation? Do you have to load the trailers? Do you have to help unload? If you are unloading, what is the product? What equipment is used to unload? How far do you have to take the product? (Up 10 flights of stairs?)

Are you paid hourly, daily, by the mile, by delivery, a combination? Are there safety or fuel economy bonuses? Are there known shut down periods like automotive plants have? If so, how are you paid during that time?

Additional Questions To Ask: