Switching Trucking Companies
See Reasons Why + How to Make the Switch for Good
It’s no secret turnover in the trucking industry is happening at an alarming rate. With drivers regularly leaving one trucking company for another, driver loyalty is becoming increasingly rare. But why are truck drivers leaving their positions to explore new opportunities? See a breakdown of the common reasons why and how to make the switch for good.
Trucking Industry Turnover Rates
The trucking industry’s average turnover rate is nothing to scoff at. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual truck driver turnover rate for large TL carriers was 94% between 1995 and 2017. And the same trend continues today. This means the average trucking company is losing most of its drivers in a single year, creating a constant churn. It’s no wonder why many trucking drivers are looking to switch companies.
Common Reasons Truck Drivers Switch Trucking Companies
The decision to switch trucking companies can stem from many factors, such as pay, scheduling, or how logistics are handled. It could also come from the basics of how communication within that company is handled or the extent of professional growth opportunities offered. See the 4 most common reasons drivers make the switch below.
1. Drivers Aren’t Getting Enough Miles
Making more per mile doesn’t mean much if you aren’t getting ample driving miles. Drivers who want to maximize their earnings and professional growth know the key to doing so maintaining a consistent number of miles driven per month. Insufficient miles not only impact income but also disrupt work-life balance and hinder career advancement. Those who recognize their mileage to drive is consistently under where they want to be will often begin to look elsewhere.
2. Drivers Aren’t Getting Enough Home Time
Much like mileage, drivers must have a balance of available home time to maintain a personal life and avoid burnout. And while striking the perfect work-life balance is often difficult in the trucking industry, setting expectations and keeping the communication line open is essential for employers. Drivers without a healthy balance of work vs home time often suffer from fatigue, stress, and strain on relationships, impacting overall well-being.
3. Drivers Are Looking for Higher Pay Elsewhere
A commonly publicized reason for drivers leaving a trucking company is pay. While pay isn’t everything in a trucking job, it’s one of the most important factors drivers use to evaluate whether their employer values their contributions. Competitive pay is essential for drivers to sustain their livelihoods and feel valued for their hard work. Truck drivers who seek fair compensation for their skills and dedication will be quick to leave once they feel their company no longer offers such.
4. Drivers Aren’t Happy with Their Dispatchers
Surveys have shown a leading factor that drivers leave their trucking company is their displeasure with their dispatchers. Friction with dispatchers can lead to delays, misunderstandings, and overall dissatisfaction with the job. Drivers rely on dispatchers for support and quickly notice when that support breaks down, leaving them feeling alone on the road. Those who experience this are often quick to pack their bags and look elsewhere.
Do Any of These Pains Describe You? See How to Make the Switch.
If you believe it’s time to switch trucking companies, ensure you’re prepared for the transition process. You want to find a company that checks all the basic boxes and has a culture of treating drivers well. Once you find a company that aligns with your goals and presents an opportunity best suited for you, prepare the necessary documents for your application.
Common documents include a copy of your CDL, employment history, driving record, medical certification, references and any other personal identification items required in the application. The right trucking company in today’s world will have a simple-to-use application form available online through their or a popular job platform such as Indeed.
Find Your Forever Trucking Company with Brakebush Transportation
If you’re looking for a trucking company with a strong team culture, proven track record, generous driver pay and benefits, and a reputation for treating drivers well, Brakebush Transportation could be your forever home. Unlike other trucking companies who promise respect and generous benefits but don’t deliver, Brakebush Transportation fulfills what is promised to each driver. You are always more than just a truck number.
Driver Benefits
As one of America’s best-paying trucking companies, we deliver on providing great pay, full driver benefits, a generous bonus structure, and adequate time home for drivers. Brakebush’s family roots have earned the parent company Wisconsin’s Family Business of the Year Award for multiple years. And we’re not stopping there.
Modern Trucking Fleet
As a private trucking fleet with over 230 temperature-controlled trailers and 73 over-the-road trucks, you’ll drive a modern, well-serviced rig with comfort features you can expect like comfortable seats, HD TV, O/O spec’d Sleer Cabs, refrigerators, freezers, APUs, and more. Some of our trucks even offer Bose Air Ride Seats. Shipping more than just chicken and cheese, you’ll be connected to our well-run brokerage department that matches you with the best reefer loads on the most profitable freight lanes.
Why Drive for Brakebush Transportation?
- Average $100,000+ in earnings annually (mileage may vary)
- Full driver benefits including great insurance and 13 vacation days year 1
- Top logistics support
- Welcoming team culture
- Newer, comfort-focused trucks
- Hiring team drivers and military veterans
Brakebush would not be the company it is today without our dedicated truck drivers. If you want to work for a family-oriented trucking company that is mission-driven, value-based, and believes in treating everyone with respect, apply now.
Common Trucking Companies Our Drivers Come From
Brakebush Transportation regularly attracts and retains driving talent from some of the nation's most well-known trucking companies. Hiring drivers nationwide excluding the West Coast, many of our drivers come from Schneider Trucking, Roehl Trucking, Knight Trucking, and beyond. Regardless of where you come from, you’ll become a valued member of the team.
Take the Next Step - Apply Today!
If you’ve thought hard about switching trucking companies and are ready to take the next step toward finding your dream opportunity, apply to Brakebush Transportation. We’ll make it worthwhile for you to make the switch and equip you to succeed from day one. Apply online or contact us for more information. Check out frequently asked driver applicant questions on our all-in-one FAQ page.