Which is better, a little or a huge carrier? Any driver you consult will have an opinion on which company is preferable to work with. Although there is no one right solution, each has advantages and disadvantages. To choose the ideal option for you the next time you’re searching for a job, you should be aware of the differences between small trucking firms and huge carriers.
Working for a Small Trucking Company
Pros
The fact that a tiny trucking firm is small is what drivers appreciate most about it. Regarding operations, procedures, and day-to-day management, drivers working for a small trucking firm sometimes have more of a say than they would if they worked for a giant mega fleet.
Working for a small trucking business also gives you the flexibility to do various tasks not often associated with truck driving. Small trucking firms are fantastic places to pick up new skills that can benefit you later in your career, while it is understandable that not all drivers are searching for this.
These abilities include moving various freight to knowledge about the business’s financial operations. This expertise is crucial to buy your fleet or operate as an owner-operator.
Cons
One of the major problems with working for a smaller trucking firm is the increased likelihood that the company may fail and the driver will lose their job. A bigger carrier will be considerably better able to withstand storms that the trucking industry may experience than a smaller mom-and-pop business.
Consider what has occurred during the last several years, for instance. Due to the volume of freight that needed to be transported during and immediately after Covid, small trucking businesses and owner-operators exploded.
Everything was okay for a time, but when fuel prices rose to previously unheard-of levels and supply chain problems persisted, it became difficult for these little businesses to continue, and many closed their doors. Sadly, this left any drivers employed by these carriers in the cold.
Additionally, if you work for a small business, they can start to depend too much on you. Being a small team member might be enjoyable, but you should always feel free to take on more work because the manager needs to add additional drivers to meet the demand.
Working for a Large Carrier
Pros
Larger carriers often have more comprehensive healthcare and savings programs than smaller businesses. These policies include life insurance and medical, dental, and vision coverage. You and your family will be better prepared in a medical emergency or if another problem happens. This is not to indicate that all smaller trucking firms won’t provide these perks; it just means that the programs won’t be as good.
The training and career promotion opportunities big carriers offer are an additional perk. Large carriers often offer programs that assist younger drivers, including those who have just completed CDL training, in beginning their independent driving careers securely and safely.
While rookie drivers are the main target of this perk, seasoned truckers should also look for training and promotion chances while evaluating a new employer. Some carriers provide paid management training programs, classes on becoming a driver liaison, and even paid endorsement training.
Cons
When working for a huge carrier, many drivers mention feeling like “a number instead of a name.” This is because you will only be one of 100, 1,000, or even 10,000 passengers at a huge airline. Even if you spend ten years working there, you still won’t get to know the business’s founder or have any influence on its course. However, this will be fine for you if all you want to do is drive and be paid.
Additionally, larger carriers are regarded as having more stringent safety standards and monitoring their drivers. Using driver-facing cameras inside the taxi is one contentious method they may do. While taking such precautions might make driving safer, more seasoned drivers may feel as if they are always being watched when it is not necessary.
Every carrier is unique and won’t always fit into one of these tidy buckets simply because they’re a tiny firm or a huge carrier; it’s crucial for drivers searching for new employees to keep this in mind. To determine if you’ve discovered your ideal workplace, it’s crucial to conduct your research before applying for a new position and to ask the correct questions while chatting with a recruiter or hiring manager.
