FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY PROSPECTIVE TRUCK DRIVERS

Listed below are some common QUESTIONS & ANSWERS truck drivers have asked or may be wondering about when it comes to James H. Clark & Son, Inc. If you still have unanswered questions, feel free to give Christopher, our recruiter, a call @ 801-266-9322 ext 133.

Q: Where do we run?

A: Our drivers run all 48 states. Dispatcher and their drivers work together to put our drivers on loads and routes that work best for everyone. Communication is key!

Q: What is the pay?

A: Starting pay for all drivers, regardless of experience, is $0.55/mile.

Q: What kind of equipment do we use?

A: We exclusively use Volvo VNL 760 and Thermo King reefer trailers.

Q: How is home time determined?

A: We have different options depending on where you live and where you want home time.

Q: Am I forced to chain my truck?

A: No. We trust our drivers to make the best decision for their driving convenience.

Q: What are the trucks governed at?

A: All of our company trucks are governed at 65 MPH.

Q: Am I responsible for paying for toll road fees?

A: Yes, but we will never route you to use one.

Q: Where do they fuel?

A: It depends on your location while on the road. We have discounts with every major supplier, and Dispatch will help you find the closest one within our system.

Q: Where are our terminals?

A: We only have our one terminal, located in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Q: Who fixes your trucks?

A: All of our trucks are new and still under warranty. We have an awesome 4 bay shop that handles all of the minor and preventative maintenance. If the truck requires more attention, the truck will be sent over to the Volvo dealership.

Q: Do we pay detention? How much? When?

A:Yes, most of our detention starts at 2 hours. Pay depends on customers.

Q: Do you get paid for extra stops?

A: Yes, anything after the first stop.

Q: What is the average miles per driver a week?

A: 2300-3200 miles per week

You have just begun an exciting career as a truck driver and are learning the ropes of the trade. Since you’ll be spending many adventurous hours on the road, it is wise to know what can be done to stay safe, be efficient, and have fun along the way. Here at James H. Clark, we take pride in our drivers and work hard to provide an environment where every trucker is valued and appreciated. In our efforts to help you get started, here are some beneficial tips for new truck drivers.

1. Get Your Rest and Put Safety First

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is to get your rest. While sacrificing sleep may seem like an efficient way to gain time on the clock, it is dangerous to put yourself and others at risk because you are tired. To ensure you are alert, making confident driving decisions, and observant of your surroundings, take adequate breaks to get your sleep.

When operating your truck, be mindful of your surroundings. Pay attention to other drivers on the road and pedestrians in parking lots. Before embarking on any journey, walk around your truck and make sure everything is locked, your load is secure, and all lights and signals are working correctly.

2.Establish a Diet and Exercise Routine

Trucking for many hours at a time doesn’t have to be an excuse for poor health and weight gain. Be creative in formulating an exercise routine that you can do for 30 minutes each day. You may consider packing a small set of dumbbells or a resistance band for use in a brief workout each morning. Make healthy food choices during meal times and be mindful of the amount of packaged foods you consume. Snack on raw foods like fruit, vegetables, and nuts instead.

3. Be Prompt and Assertive

When you are dispatched on an assignment, make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Be wise about taking breaks and make sure you get the rest you need. However, make sure you stay focused and map…

Imagine driving a big rig across the desert with a beautiful pink sunset in the distance. You are listening to your favorite music, accompanied by your beloved dog, and snacking on a new flavor of sunflower seed. Your destination is a place you have never visited before and when you return home, you will have an entire week off. There are many reasons why people choose to pursue a career in the trucking industry. However, it can be difficult to know if it is truly the job you want if you are unsure of what to look for. Here at James H. Clark, we hope to provide you with some helpful insight to assist in answering the reigning question, “How do I know if truck driving is right for me?”

Do You Love Adventure?

A trucking job will take you to many places in a relatively short period of time. Your destinations and rest stops will all vary depending on the job you are assigned. The routes laid out are diverse and traverse through a variety of terrain including long stretches of scenic highway. If you are an adventurous person who enjoys traveling, driving, and exploring new places, then this is the perfect job for you.

Are You a Team Player?

Any successful trucking job is the effort of a cohesive team. Drivers work together with dispatchers, operations managers, and cargo specialists to determine customer needs and deliver quality product. From the work of loaders who strategically, safely, and efficiently consign cargo, to the careful planning of dispatchers in assigning routes, to the mindful and timely driving and delivery of the truckers, every team member relies on each other to execute a successful job. If you enjoy working as part of a team and are committed to doing your fair share, truck driving can be incredibly rewarding and satisfactory.

Do You Enjoy Serenity?

There are many opportunities to enjoy peace and quiet while spending long stretches on the road. Whether you choose to spend your time reminiscing in the quiet, jamming to your favorite tunes,…

A career as a trucker is appealing to many people for a variety of reasons including the opportunity for adventure, the potential to make good money, and the serenity and relaxation that comes from spending hours on the road. A major factor that plays into your experience as a trucker, is the employer you choose to work for. Here at James H. Clark, we pride ourselves on providing competitive compensation, flexible hours, and a dedication to the betterment and appreciation of our drivers. Now that you have succeeded in finding the right trucking job, here is what you can expect from us.

1. The Right Job is Profitable

Working as a trucker, you have the ability to make good money doing something you love. If you are adventurous, enjoy driving, and have an itch to experience new places, a job as a truck driver is perfect for you. However, it is important to be profitable as well. This means you must work for a company that has proven success and steady profitability.

2. The Right Job Hires Dependable Dispatchers

The dispatchers of any trucking company play an important role. These crucial team players are essentially the backbone of an entire trucking operation. Their responsibility is to confirm that each driver has the correct cargo load and understands his destination and travel plan. Dispatchers work tirelessly to ensure each driver is on track to deliver his load promptly. Here at James H. Clark, our dispatchers have received extensive training so they can work together with our drivers as a synergetic team. We seek individuals who are friendly, patient, and thorough so we can make sure our drivers are never dealing with vague instructions or impolite personnel.

3. The Right Job Follows Safe Routes

There is nothing more discomforting as a truck driver than facing arduous routes that have to be strategically navigated. When coupled with inclement weather, drivers face increased dangers and their chances of delivering on time are hampered. The right trucking job will only assign routes that are safe, appropriate for the size and…