Scribd
Upload
22 views

2.New Driver First Conversation Checklist

Uploaded by

Paul Lava
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
22 views

2.New Driver First Conversation Checklist

Uploaded by

Paul Lava
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

New Driver First Conversation Checklist

Every time you get a new driver, you need to get to know his work habits. Find out as much
information as possible about him before you even start looking for a load.

Here’s an approximative list of things you need to ask your driver on your first conversation:
● Home location
Find out your driver's home location. If he is an out of state driver, make sure you know where is
he parking the truck when off work.
● Work Schedule
We, as a company, are pretty flexible with drivers’ work schedules, so you need to find out what
are their preferences in regard to time off. Normally, we ask drivers to not take more than 6-7
days off a month, except planned vacations. Some drivers want weekends off, some of them
prefer to work for a few continuous weeks before they take off, therefore you’ll need to plan trips
accordingly.
Please note that drivers out of Florida, Colorado, and West Coast drivers should work for 3
weeks straight before taking 7 days off. East coast drivers, South East and South should work
for 2 weeks straight before taking 3 days off. Drivers from Mid-west can go home every
weekend for the restart.
● Driving Experience
Find out how much CDL experience your driver has and treat him accordingly. Pay more
attention to new drivers and take into consideration experienced drivers’ pieces of advice.
● Equipment
Find out as much information as possible about your driver’s equipment. All drivers should have
PPE Equipment with them at all times (hardhead, steel toe boots, reflective vest, goggles).
Check what is the maximum weight the truck can handle.
If it’s a flatbed, ask about tarp sizes and quantities. Also, find out if there’s a headache rack on
the trailer and what kind of accessorial equipment your driver has (straps, chains, pipe stakes,
coil racks, ratchet binders, edge protectors, padding, load levelers for step decks, etc). Dry Vans
are usually pretty basic. Find out how many straps your driver has and if he has load bars.
● Driving Preferences
Ask your driver if he has any driving preferences. Some drivers won’t go East Coast or West
Coast. Some would like to avoid driving in the mountains. There are drivers that do not want to
drive night time. Take into consideration your driver’s requests, but don’t let them dictate you the
trip, especially if it’s a company driver.
● ELD Device
Make sure you know what is your driver using as an ELD device and log in to see his Logs
every day. Ask your driver how many miles a day can he handle. Try to keep your drivers busy if
they want longer transit distances and respect your driver if he chooses to drive less than
others. Either way, be reasonable. Don’t let your drivers get too lazy or drive too much.
● Legal Status in the USA
Our drivers are either US Citizens, Green Card Holders or Work Authorization holders. You
have to know their status so you can book military freight, send them close to the borders
without worrying.
Set up a way to communicate (Viber, WhatsApp, RingCentral) right away. Explain to your new
driver what are your work habits and go over the things the driver is expected to do while
working with you (work progress updates and photo updates, BOL submittal, etc).

You might also like