Small and Medium
Trucking Companies

Many of these smaller or medium sized trucking companies do not advertise their jobs as aggressively as the mega carriers for several reasons.

They may not have the budget or it might be that their turnover is low enough that it's not a priority.  Some of them have people waiting for positions. 

But they prefer high quality, dependable and somewhat experienced drivers so growth might be slow.

Believe it or not, some small trucking companies and medium sized trucking companies may even buy another truck if they think you would make a great driver.

Because quality people with great attitudes and work ethic is like gold to a trucking company like a great trucking company is the same to a good driver.

  Lucky for you, if you're in Greensboro or the surrounding areas I have several companies that you can go to work for right now!  If you're qualified.

What all of us drivers do know is that these smaller trucking companies usually provide a much better experience than the huge trucking companies. You are a person and not a number. People in the office tend to care and want you to succeed with them.

Driving for local or smaller trucking companies usually helps you get home more often. They want you back to pick up another load from shippers that they are contracted with locally or are building a relationship with to contract for, which is usually why they are located there or why the local businesses use them.

There are local trucking companies that birth out to fulfill a demand or need, passion and also purely in pursuit of monetary gain.  So that means you need to be careful in choosing.  The first two are likely higher quality trucking companies and a better experience than the latter.

Of course profit is important but if that is the only desire to exist, that types of smaller company is worse than a mega carrier with the same priority. 

A smaller/medium sized company should want to make a positive contribution to the trucking industry/customers in the way that it operates.

That's a trucking company on solid foundation with principles and values for growth.  One that will make everyone happy!

Pro's and Con's

As with anything there are advantages and disadvantages.  Here are some things to consider.  Remember they are not absolute for ALL companies and ALL drivers. 

It is general info based on my and other people's experiences.  Use the info as intel for proactively asking questions to other drivers for the company and the company representatives.

Some Potential Good Things

• You can talk to decision makers when there are complaints
• There are smaller companies that pay very well
• You might get home more frequently automatically
• You're treated like a person
• The staff knows your name and situation
• The dispatcher will know your preferences
• The dispatcher might within reason cater to your preferences
• For owner operators the pay could be much higher
  

Some Potential Bad Things

• Lack of divisions and options of equipment
• Might use older equipment if newer small trucking company
• They might not have the freight or contracts to keep you moving
• You might not be able to travel the country as much
• You might run certain areas/lanes instead of OTR trucking
• You might have higher insurance costs
• There might not be as many benefits offered
• You might not opportunities such as training other drivers
• They might not have a lease program should you want to grow

Special Note:

Small or Medium trucking companies are not going to be a local trucking job automatically.  The company might be local but it doesn't mean that they have local trucking jobs.  They could but it's not automatic. 

Local trucking jobs information page is here.

Finding Smaller and Medium Trucking Companies

In Your Neighborhood or Community

Simply pay attention while you are out and about. Distribution centers or large manufacturers in your area may have their own trucks.

Go to these places and inquire within. Ask your friends if they know anyone who works at these places. These personal contacts often will have better results.

You never know who or what the people you know might know if you don't talk have a conversation about it.

Search Online for Smaller Carriers

Do a search for local trucking company in your town by typing..."your city truck drivers" or "your city trucking jobs. Call some of these trucking companies to see if they are hiring and if they will hire you fresh out of trucking school or whatever your situation may be.

Sell yourself. Why should the company hire you?

To the right you will see pages built for your state where you may find local, small, or medium trucking companies listed who are hiring now. This is another option to doing a search.

Also check local Craigslist.

Local Listings and News Papers

• Craigslist postings
  
• Check your local Sunday newspapers
• Local Independent Papers
• Thrifty Nickels
• Free classifieds
• Employment Guide
• ESC or Employment Security Commission.
• Ask every you know if they know an owner operator.

Good luck.

Out of The Box Approach

Have cards printed up with you contact info and your best simple short sales pitch why it would benefit someone to hire you as a driver. Carry these with you while out hunting so that you can leave everyone with contact info. Of course some will throw it away immediately. The level of effectiveness will depend on many factors but one will be your attitude, so remember that when you are out.

Is it possible to make someone WANT to help you? The answer is yes.

Take notice of the local truck stops. Especially the small stations that allow truck parking. See if you can posts a flyer (you can also attach a resume) with your qualifications and desire. Owner operators in your area probably frequent such businesses. Also ask the people working there if they know someone who needs a driver.

Post your desire to be hired at other places that owner operators might show up like your local Diesel Mechanic. Ask him/her if they know any owner operators that need drivers and if it will be OK to leave your flyers in the waiting area or driver's lounge.

Post them at places where HR, drivers or warehouse managers might stop during lunch. For instance, service stations with a deli next to distribution centers or manufacturing plants.

Small/Medium Local Trucking Company Hiring Drivers Top

Summary of Benefits for These Trucking Jobs

• Get home more often - More flexibility
  
• Get paid more - per mile or percentage
  
• Easier to get hired - More lenient
  
• Better communication - Can talk to bosses and decision makers
  
• Get treated more like a human being - Instead of a machine
  
• May not have the experience requirement
  

• Tips for New Drivers
• Becoming a Truck Driver
• CDL Training Options
• Advantages and Disadvantages
• Trucker Slang and CB Talk
• Types of Truck Driving Jobs
• Choosing Trucking Company
  

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