When it comes to selecting a trucking firm to work for, San Diego logistics companies believe that size is important. There are important variations between large and small trucking businesses that you should be aware of.
We look at the benefits and drawbacks of working for large and small trucking firms in order to assist you choose a carrier that is a good fit for you.
10 BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR A MAJOR TRUCKING COMPANY
- Variety
Large carriers frequently run a number of freight channels and have multiple divisions. There is a greater variety of work accessible. For instance, you may grow tired of transporting dry freight shipments to the Eastern seaboard states. You could request to convert from the carrier’s dry freight business to their tanker division, which operates in the southwest United States.
If you’re the type of person who gets bored easily, you can change it up by switching to a new section within the firm rather than job hopping to a whole different career. Everything You Need to Know to Create Attractive Benefit Packages
Group and employee benefits are something that most companies in the United States are accustomed to offering. Several companies offer employee benefit packages like these, such as Taylor Benefits Insurance
- Stability.
A huge carrier with a high reputation can be far more dependable than a little unknown firm.
Drop plus Hook. Pin-to-pin work is rather prevalent at the major carriers. They frequently have pre-loaded freight trailers for their customers. This allows for quick and easy pick-ups with no bother or fuss. Smaller trucking companies with fewer equipment resources do not have spare equipment to drop off at a customer. At a smaller carrier, live loads are frequently required, and you may not be compensated to sit and wait until the customer packs the freight.
Drop and hook loads provide more scheduling flexibility than live loads because the driver does not have to fit into the loading docks’ schedule.
- There is plenty of equipment.
Large corporations have a lot of equipment. Trucks and trailers are never in short supply. This can be a significant benefit. Missing a scheduled run at a small carrier because your vehicle is being repaired might have a negative impact on your income, which is a major drawback.
- It is now easier to schedule time off.
To cover loads, larger carriers have a large driver pool. Not so in smaller businesses. They may push a motorist more harder than he is comfortable with. Taking time off can be difficult because they rely significantly on a small pool of drivers.
- Conveniences.
Large corporations have their own repair shop, corporate accounts with other repair shops, hotel chains for driver layovers, and accounts with large truck stop chains. This is advantageous for the driver as well because of the convenience and the lack of out-of-pocket expenses to wait for reimbursement.
- Terminal Services.
Large corporations frequently have facilities at their terminals designed specifically for their staff, including their drivers. Some drivers consider this as a nice reward and take advantage of such services. Restaurants, gyms, driver lounges, and swimming pools are available in some airports.
- The distance from home.
OTR, regional, and local truck driver positions are frequently available at large carriers. At various points in your driving career, a trucking job that takes you within a short distance of your home may be the ideal option for you. There is less drama. Drivers may have less drama. Unlike at a small carrier, most drivers do not know each other.
- Benefits.
Big carriers have more negotiating leverage when it comes to personal health benefit packages.
THE BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR A MAJOR CARRIER
Nobody knows what your name is. Nobody knows who you are, and you are nothing more than a number to them.
You’ll be working with a small group of people you’ll get to know, such as a dispatcher or load manager, as well as someone from middle management. Some drivers can perform perfectly well in a huge firm in this manner. Others, on the other hand, aren’t so sure. It is a matter of personal preference.
- Failure to Recognize. Most certainly, you will not be remembered as the person who always delivers on time or never refuses a load. Big carriers have a lot on their plates, and if you perform your job, even if you do it well, you’ll most likely go unnoticed.
- A lack of esteem. One of the most common concerns we hear from truck drivers who have worked for major carriers is a lack of respect for their truck drivers. Some of these carriers underpay their drivers, expect them to work hard for little pay, and speak to them in a disrespectful manner. Some drivers put up with this abuse. Some people, however, will not. If you are one among them, you should avoid large corporations.
THE DEFINITE BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR SMALLER TRUCKING COMPANIES
- The owner is reachable. As a driver for a small to medium-sized company, you will most likely be able to meet with the owner if the need arises. In most cases, the owner is genuinely concerned about any problems you are experiencing. After all, he’s made a significant investment and is interested in you.
- If you’re doing a good job, the owner will probably notice. This will undoubtedly assist you if a regular freight lane becomes available or a new truck arrives and you are the owner’s first pick to place in the seat.
- Reduced Overhead Expenses Smaller to medium-sized carriers typically have reduced overhead and overall costs. This can lead to more money being allocated to their drivers, who are typically their biggest and most important assets, rather than flashy glass terminals with a large crew of personnel and executives.
- Smaller local carriers. If you find work with a small local carrier that ships all around the United States and/or Canada, you will benefit your town.
- Trucks that are enjoyable to drive. Small operations may run a fleet of vehicles that are superior to the average truck you’ll ever drive at a large carrier — for example, a small fleet of custom Kenworth or Peterbilt trucks.
WHICH IS BETTER: BIG CARRIERS OR SMALL CARRIERS?
We’ve described the key distinctions between working for large and small carriers. Consider each of your options carefully. It all comes down to your particular preferences and what you want out of your truck driving profession. Take your time deciding and make an informed decision. It will be worthwhile.
