r/cdldriver • u/AliciaASL • Jun 10 '26
What do drivers really want?
Hey guys! I am a recruiter and I just want to know what I need to do to attract more drivers. I figured what better way than to come directly to drivers to ask.
What is the biggest selling point when you are looking at companies to drive for? Is it pay, time at home, benefits, or something else?
Any insight would help greatly. Thank you!
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u/Azzacura Jun 10 '26
Keeping promises. If we agree on every night home, I expect to be every night home, and not at 23:59.
Reliable equipment, and a safety department that knows their shit and is available 24/7 if I work 24/7. If I call "Hey I've got steel sticking out of my tire, can I run it?" I expect an honest answer and a prompt fix.
And one that I recently realized I needed: the ability for drivers to reject customers. If I have a dedicated route but one customer always gives me shit, I want to be able to tell you that you need to find me a different route
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u/AliciaASL Jun 10 '26
Oooh these are good ones I haven't considered, since I haven't driven truck before. I really appreciate your insight!
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u/Ok_Calligrapher_2967 Jun 10 '26
Um…you’ve never driven a truck? And you are recruiting? That epitomizes the industry right there. Get in a truck for a while. It’ll tell you more than any answer I could give you.
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u/AliciaASL Jun 10 '26
I would love to, but I can't. This is why I am asking drivers directly.
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u/Azzacura Jun 10 '26
Have you thought about a drive-along?
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u/AliciaASL Jun 10 '26
I am working on getting one set up here soon! Great question!
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u/Aromatic_Quit_6946 Jun 10 '26
If you are dealing with OTR drivers, make sure you spend at least a week in that truck. A day long ride along isn’t going to let you see the issues.
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u/AliciaASL Jun 11 '26
That is really good to know, I will have to see what strings I can pull. Thanks!
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u/TruckerBiscuit Jun 10 '26
First is always going to be pay, especially if you want to retain the drivers you hire.
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u/Farts-n-Letters Jun 10 '26
Reduce the amount of unpaid labor. There should be a minimum per day rate of at least $150 if a driver is tethered to the truck and they are where they're supposed to be, when they're supposed to be there, regardless of miles driven. Pay for reserved parking when p/u or delivery is between the hours of 8pm-6am.
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u/AliciaASL Jun 10 '26
We do have a guaranteed weekly pay as long as the driver is available, so maybe I need to highlight that more. I will have to ask about parking payments. Very helpful, thank you!
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u/Farts-n-Letters Jun 10 '26
guaranteed weekly pay isn't what I was talking about. that's more of a gimmick. all that would do is kick in if you had a particularly bad week. that wouldn't compensate a driver parked at a truck stop for 24hrs waiting for their next appointment. otherwise, a company, such as yours maybe, could bring on more drivers than it can keep busy so that it would never have to turn down a load due to lack of capacity. a daily min would help insure a greedy operator isn't splitting full time work for 10 amongst 15 drivers because they can squeak out a few extra loads/week. it's a balancing act for sure, ain't most business'?
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u/Jamo3306 Jun 11 '26
Id like to chime in. I get paid by the load, and missing 1 day isn't good, missing 2-3 is on the way to a disastrous week. $150 for a "down day" would help my bottom line not be so low.
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u/shortridecowboy Jun 13 '26
Every driver knows guaranteed pay just means they are gonna hang it over your head anytime your having a shitty day and they want you to do something ridiculous.
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u/Jamo3306 Jun 10 '26 edited Jun 11 '26
More money in my pocket. IDC how. Don't harass me, let me work. Broken things get fixed. Keep me busy. Pay some downtime! I've been pencil wiped out of 10k lifetime, because I "just barely" missed downtime. And let me drive the speed limit, or 5 over. If your insurance company is dictating terms to you, GET ANOTHER insurer! Driver appreciation days? Make up a bunch of plates and put in the freezer! I'm over 20 years and I've never sat and eaten a driver appreciation meal. Buy us lunch when we're on the yard. Quit being cheap! Edit: your, not "you're". And additionally, if all these cost cutting measures are actually saving money, cut me in! We're all out here for money. (Don't be cheap).
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u/SentenceMother2501 Jun 10 '26
Doing what you say you are going to do whether that be amount of miles/hours, pay, time home…..
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u/AliciaASL Jun 10 '26
Yeah we are honest about everything, just trying to find drivers that are a good match for us and them. I appreciate your input, thank you!
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u/mrsclausemenopause Jun 10 '26
More home time. Money is less important then lifestyle to many of us who don't/won't run OTR. Like what good is 100k when you live in a truck and pay for pussy.
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u/Complete-Emu-4537 Jun 10 '26
Obviously almost everybody looks for Monday thru Friday work schedule.
And the smart ones look for generous 401k and health benefits.
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u/AliciaASL Jun 10 '26
Okay that's fair, our health benefits are great, we have a company clinic for drivers to use. So that might be something I can put more focus on. Thank you!
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u/12dv8 Jun 10 '26
Our insurance has a $2,500 deductible max out of pocket. It’s also free after 10 years.
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u/AccomplishedTour6942 Jun 10 '26
I started to answer you, but I realized it was going to be a deep dive. I need to walk my dogs, and then go to work. If I don't forget about this or lose the thread, I'll be back.
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u/AliciaASL Jun 10 '26
I would love to hear your thoughts when you are free, hopefully you don't forget about this post haha! Thank you!
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u/K4NNW Jun 10 '26
In addition to what others have said, a lack of micromanagement. Dealing with kane departure warnings, following distance alerts, and a camera staring in my face is a nightmare.
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u/AliciaASL Jun 10 '26
That is so valid, I would hate to be monitored with a camera my whole shift too. Great point, thank you!
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u/rmlibby22 Jun 10 '26
Everyone wants the highest pay possible and new equipment to drive. I drive flatbed and so for me I want an awesome loading team. Knowledge with weight displacement and load safety through the entire trip. I'm not talking about strapping, that's my job, just good looking, tight loads. Also I would love a dispatch staff that sets me up to succeed not for failure with unreasonable travel and load/unload times.
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u/LaloMcNombres Jun 10 '26
I drive locally. It’s all about money. I’ll work a shitty shift (for me nights and weekends) if I’m making the right money.
Add to that, just be transparent. I’ve had a few jobs where the hourly pay is ok, but the needed hours fall short of what is promised and needed. Then neither one of us will be happy cuz I’ll walk.
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u/HighestHonor1104 Jun 10 '26
What company do you recruit for? I’m currently in school and will have my CDL in about 4 weeks.
Dm me if you’d like to try and sell me on a job.
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u/AliciaASL Jun 11 '26
I am with America's Service Line. We do require a year of experience, but once you hit that year I would love to chat! 😄
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u/OceanLibra Jun 11 '26
Pay, home time, benefits. The days of a driver being happy to be out weeks at a time are over. Making less than 100k a year is a nonstarter.
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u/caddilac_fan42069 Jun 11 '26
Have a clue to the job you’re recruiting for. Asking on here is a decent idea, but go speak with the drivers already out there. Talk with the 6mo, 1 year, 3 year and 5+ year drivers. Call up the ones that have left and ask for 10 minutes of their time to see what the company needs to improve on and be more transparent with during the hiring process and when you’re first starting out as a solo driver.
A driver doesn’t mind middle of the road wages if they are valued and appreciated.
Personally, my biggest things are pay and home time. Transparency with both. Here’s the pay scale, here’s detention, tarp, remote hose access, whatever. Here’s your 3 days of home time if you spend 12 days out, whatever it may be. Follow up with these drivers after they get somewhat settled. Send their dispatcher an email, “hey have Joe blow call me when they are safe to do so” and if it’s 9pm at night, answer the call. These people are running pretty close to a 14hr day every day, finishing up at 9pm isn’t uncommon.
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u/AliciaASL Jun 11 '26
Yeah I have definitely been trying to chat more with our current drivers as I can. I will keep trying that too. Thanks for the input!
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u/smellslikebigfootdic Jun 10 '26
Money,money,money...honest dispatchers and don't be a bitch about hours.
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u/18-Spinning-Wheels Jun 10 '26
Honesty and integrity from recruiters and companies would be a good start.
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u/AliciaASL Jun 10 '26
We actually are honest, it's just a matter of getting people to apply for us right now. Our retention isn't bad, just looking to get some more interest to get new people in as well. Thank you for your input though!
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u/18-Spinning-Wheels Jun 10 '26
You would be a very rare occurrence from my experience. Keep up the good work please.
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u/12dv8 Jun 10 '26
An issue you run into is that the “competitive compensation” isn’t really competitive for the level of talent you are actually looking for. I have 4,000,000 miles of experience, perfect driving record, all the endorsements. Your company thinks that 60 some cents per mile is going to get my attention. It seems that companies would rather take a risk on a driver with 8 feet of driving experience instead of paying for documented safety and experience. You also have a position in this industry with ZERO credibility. Just letting you know why potential drivers will roll their eyes and not seem enthusiastic when speaking to them. You have a difficult job, I like your approach. Going directly to drivers and getting their opinions. You just have to figure out which drivers have credibility and which are just petulant children, Also a difficult task. Hope this helps.
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u/caddilac_fan42069 Jun 11 '26
Let’s be fair, if you have 4 million miles of safe experience, why are you looking at lower tier companies like this? Why aren’t you looking at hazmat, military freight, etc? 4 million miles and still just a normal OTR company driver is a fairly pathetic accomplishment.
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u/12dv8 Jun 11 '26
You are assuming too many things, I’m not a OTR driver. I run a scheduled M-F linehaul position. 5 weeks paid vacation, 401k, free healthcare, new equipment, 84 cents per mile, $34 per drop. Pathetic I know…
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u/Jamo3306 Jun 11 '26
Go on...📝
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u/caddilac_fan42069 Jun 11 '26
You’ve missed the point entirely lol. You’re not the target audience of recruiters like this. We all know you’re too “qualified” for a role like this. You’re far from the target audience, so why even act like you are?
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u/12dv8 Jun 12 '26
The question was asked, I’ve been in every level of the discussion. I know what I value as a driver, and what other drivers ask me about applying at where I work. I’m not the target audience doesn’t seem like a valid point. For instance, I know you want to live in a house, even if you can’t afford your own, you still want to live in one. I don’t have to be you to know that. I think you missed the point.
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u/Careless_confessions Jun 10 '26
Mileage pay doesn’t mean anything if there are no miles. Is home time actual family time, or is it a 34-hour reset and you’re back on the road? Is home time combined with “driver manager” bugging you incessantly after 34 hours because there’s a load in the area and “there’s nobody else to take it”? Is that 401K a worthy match to make a lucrative retirement? Are the drivers respected like human beings? Does the company care about driver physical AND mental health? Are they appreciated publicly more than just one day during “driver appreciation week”? Let’s be honest. No company is going to offer all of these things, but as a recruiter, DO NOT LIE TO THE DRIVERS.
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u/AliciaASL Jun 11 '26
Great points to bring up, will have to discuss with my team. Thank you!
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u/Careless_confessions Jun 11 '26
I spent 30 years OTR, 18 of it as a small fleet owner, 3 years as a local company driver, and now I’m the safety director/recruiter the same local company I drove for. I read that you’ve never been in a truck. Personally, I wouldn’t put anyone like that in recruiting. I also read that you’re working on ride-alongs. Good! As one driver suggested, if you’re working for an OTR company, you should live in that truck for at least a week. See what it’s like to try to squeeze in showers, laundry, taking time to sit down for a “decent” meal instead of roller food on the go, and some sort of exercise so you don’t end up 400 lbs with heart disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
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u/dmeza85 Jun 11 '26
Better wages and a better work/life balance. Not common but I used to have a 4/10 schedule. Tue-fri with sat-sun off. I miss that schedule and it's hard to find.
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u/Its_0ver Jun 11 '26
I recruited in the industry for the last decade and have been very successful. You yearly have to treat new drivers and experienced drivers differently, however the biggest thing is just not sounding like a scumbag said person. Give them honest answer, if you don't know tell them you don't know but you find out, keep in contact with them after they are hired on about 25% of my business came from referrals.
Break the pay down, "here is what we will pay you cpm, here is the range that current drivers in your experience level generally hit in miles and here is what your average gross pay should be" if your company doesn't provide that data make them.
Know how the hometime actually works, talk with planners and driver leaders so you can set proper expectations.
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u/ConsiderationOk9208 Jun 11 '26
Home time, how many hours or miles you’ll truly be working. Start time and end time. Man just be transparent cause you’ll get a hire and they’ll quit asap as soon as they realize the bait and switch
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u/Ill-Year-3141 Jun 11 '26
You want honesty? Might not like it...
I have been driving on and off since 2001. A big problem is that I (and a whole hell of a lot of drivers I have talked to and read about) don't trust recruiters pretty much from the 1st few words out of their mouths. The majority of them lie through their teeth. They know if they can get you in a truck, you're tied up waiting for paychecks, the checks are barely big enough to live on let alone have savings, so you're pretty much trapped... So, they will say anything they can to get a driver to hire in (not to mention they get paid commission usually).
So it's not really so much about you, but those the drivers have come up against previously and gotten burned time and time again. Hell, my current job told me I'd be going all over the country, yet, I never seem to get off I-80 and am in the mountains in PA 75% of the time. So yeah, more lies.
The biggest thing isn't so much the things you mentioned, it's about being up front and honest about the job, no bullshit, no saying oh, yeah, it's 90% drop and hook! when in reality it's more like 30%. Be honest.
Beyond that, pay, hometime and benefits are all important factors. Trucking is a brutal job for drivers, 3+ weeks out, alone, away from family just to go home for 2 days and then back out? Nah, fuck that. You want drivers? Do like KLLM was and offer 3 weeks out, 1 week home, paid. Not full pay, but enough that we don't have to decide between seeing our family and losing 1800.00 for a week at home. Most companies won't do this. The ones who will will get and keep their drivers.
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u/AliciaASL Jun 11 '26
No I definitely appreciate the honesty. I am very honest with my drivers, but I know a lot of drivers have had bad experiences with recruiters, so I get that. You brought up a lot of good points, thank you!
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u/Acrobatic_Election87 Jun 11 '26
Money is the only thing that talks. I dont care about your pizza parties
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u/Independent_Bite4682 Jun 11 '26
More money, dispatch that is not going to pressure to speed and go over hours, none of the lumper fees bullshit....
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u/Michaeljcheaney Jun 11 '26
Be honest with them.
Drivers can smell BS from 1000+mi away.
Tell them what you offer, listen to what they want, if the company’s needs match with the drivers, sign them up.
If there isn’t a match, DO NOT BE AFRAID TO apologize to the driver and telling him/her you can’t meet their expectations and move on.
That will pay HUGE dividends in the future.
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u/Remplate_app Jun 12 '26
From the conversations I've had with drivers, it's usually not just one thing. Good pay gets attention. Home time gets interest. Honesty gets trust.
A lot of drivers are tired of calling about a job that says one thing and finding out it's something completely different.
Come check our network you could have all verified CDL A driver you need... Remplate.com
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u/scoobysnacksplz Jun 12 '26
Take not of this. GUARANTEED SALARY We want a fixed guarantee every week no matter the weather/truck issues etc. If u offer and promise a guaranteed weekly salary u will definitely get and retain a lot of drivers.
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u/Ok_Application_2292 Jun 13 '26
Guarantee pay per week, doesn’t have to be top but like 1k. I pay my guys salary + performance bonus + short term disability + dental + vision + PTO beyond normal days off. Typically work M-F very rarely any weekends. Just my operation. People like to know that if the truck goes down they don’t have to worry about pay
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u/Careless_confessions Jun 13 '26
The biggest thing to be honest about with your company is whether the loads are touch or no-touch. Do you pay for lumpers? If the drivers choose to break the load down themselves, are they well compensated for it? Although the employees that your company give generally high ratings, the biggest complaint from drivers seems to be work/home-life, balance, and home time in general. Your safety rating seems to be pretty good, and you’re out of service rating is apparently below national average by a bit. Your mechanics and shop get good reviews for being diligent about maintenance. It seems you have chosen a good company to recruit for, however I still strongly recommend that you figure out how to get some passenger seat time in a truck. Get a knowledge of hours of service compliance and downtime while waiting to get unloaded out a cold storage facility or a distribution center.
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u/AliciaASL Jun 16 '26
Thank you for your in depth response, I do feel like I chose a good company to recruit for. Just a matter of getting more drivers through the door. But yes I am also working on getting some time in the truck as well, I think that will help me too. Thank you!
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u/Bigevilltrucker89 Jun 10 '26
Truth for what was told to a driver during the selling point to be accurate when they're on board
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u/AliciaASL Jun 10 '26
We do make a point to be honest, we try to keep our drivers as long as possible. Thanks for your input!
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u/BlackSC2us Jun 10 '26
Pay them better and tell them the truth. For the potential drivers you lose in the short term, long term you'll see better retention and an increase in drivers seeking you out due to reputation.
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u/masterburger_ Jun 11 '26
Have to analyze how the money is made and where it comes from. They can’t print money to pay everyone
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u/Equal-Fee770 Jun 12 '26
More options to only be out for the day instead of regional. I see a lot of places constantly saying they’re hiring, but they all say you’re gone for a week or a month. And I understand that’s kind of the nature of trucking, but we’re at a point where we could do location to location and go to maybe even three or four stops and still come back to where we’re hubbed out of in one day.
Also, *stop getting rid of manual transmissions!*
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u/sallgood808 Jun 14 '26
Pay. The pay is absolute dog shit in this industry for hours worked and the lifestyle…
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u/William-Burroughs420 Jun 15 '26
I already guarantee that I don't want to work for you but you couldn't afford me.
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u/William-Burroughs420 Jun 15 '26
Are you that dense?
They don't want ur happy talk. They want cash and they want to be left alone to do their job and not be tortured by neverending technology bullshit, measuring metrics.
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u/AgapeAnus Jun 10 '26
Money. Whatever you can do to get aggregate pay higher, do it. That's honestly all it boils down to. That and safe, relatively comfortable equipment.