Nine Questions to Ask Before You Sign On With a Carrier

Every recruiting ad says the same things. Great pay. Steady freight. Family atmosphere. None of that is verifiable from an ad.

These are the questions that actually tell you what running under a carrier will be like. Ask them of us, and ask them of everyone else you are considering.

1. What exactly is the split, and what comes off the top before it?

A percentage means nothing until you know what it is a percentage of. Gross linehaul? Gross including fuel surcharge? After a brokerage fee? Ask for a real settlement statement from a real week — with the customer name redacted if they prefer.

2. Who keeps the fuel surcharge?

On long-haul freight this is real money. Get the answer in writing.

3. How fast do I get paid, and what does quick pay cost?

Weekly settlement is standard. If quick pay carries a fee, ask what the fee is as an annualized rate — the number is usually higher than it sounds.

4. What are the deductions?

Insurance, ELD, plates, trailer rent, escrow, tech fees. Ask for the full list and the monthly dollar amount. A better split with heavier deductions can net you less.

5. What is the escrow, and how do I get it back?

How much, held how long, and what is the actual process and timeline for getting it returned when you leave.

6. What does a normal week look like on this lane?

Not the best week. The normal week. Loaded miles, deadhead miles, and how many days out.

7. What is your deadhead percentage?

A carrier with good freight density can answer this immediately. A carrier that hesitates is telling you something.

8. Who do I call at 2 a.m. when something goes wrong?

A breakdown, a detention situation, a receiver refusing a load. Ask for the name and whether that person answers. Then, before you sign, call the number at an odd hour and see.

9. Can I talk to two drivers who already run here?

This is the question that matters most, and the one a carrier with nothing to hide will say yes to fastest. If the answer is no, you have your answer.

Where we stand

Honest Transportation is family-owned and operated out of Ontario, California. We would rather answer these questions honestly and have you decide we are not the right fit than sign you on a pitch and lose you in ninety days.

If you want to run through this list with an actual person, call (866) 474-2232 or use the contact form on this site.