For drivers entering the trucking industry, the first job decision can set the tone for years to come. Suzanne Carlson, a professional driver based in Oregon with years of experience hauling regional and long-haul freight across the western United States, says the key to a successful career starts with asking the right questions before signing on with a carrier.
Carlson, who informally mentors newer drivers including women entering the field, warns that focusing solely on pay per mile can lead to unpleasant surprises. "Pay matters, but it tells you almost nothing about what your week is actually going to look like," she said. "A driver needs to know what they are agreeing to before they sign, not after the first bad week on the road."
Instead, Carlson advises drivers to probe three critical areas: schedules, safety culture, and support from dispatch. Regarding schedules, she suggests asking how routes are assigned, how much notice drivers receive before a run, and how home time actually works. "Ask what a normal week looks like, not what it looks like on a good week," she said. "Dispatch should be able to answer that clearly. If they can't, that tells you something too." She also recommends asking how schedules change during peak season or bad weather, as those periods reveal how a company truly operates.
Safety culture is another non-negotiable topic. Carlson says a company's attitude toward safety shows up long before a driver gets behind the wheel. She advises asking how the company handles pre-trip inspections, equipment maintenance, and driver fatigue. "Ask what happens when a driver says they need to pull over and rest," she said. "A company that supports that decision is telling you something good. A company that pushes back is telling you something too." Drivers should also inquire about the condition of equipment they will be assigned and how quickly maintenance issues are addressed.
Communication with dispatch is equally important. Carlson, known for her own steady communication with dispatch teams, says new drivers should ask directly how dispatch communicates during a difficult run. "Are they reachable? Do they help you solve a problem, or do they just tell you to figure it out?" she said. She also recommends asking how the company handles delays caused by traffic, weather, or mechanical problems, since those situations arise on almost every long route.
The implications of these choices extend beyond the immediate job. Carlson notes that the carrier a driver chooses early on can shape how they view the job for years. A supportive company builds confidence and good habits, while a company that cuts corners on safety or communication can push a capable driver out of the industry altogether. "The first company you drive for teaches you what normal looks like," she said. "If normal means rushed inspections and no backup from dispatch, a driver might think that's just how trucking is. It isn't."
For an industry facing persistent driver turnover, Carlson's advice underscores a broader point: retention may depend as much on culture and communication as on compensation. Her mentoring aims to help new drivers start with a clear picture, not to discourage them. "A good trucking career is built one decision at a time," she said. "The first one is choosing who you drive for."
