Company Driver

What Is a Company Driver

A company driver or fleet driver is a truck driver who is employed by a trucking company and drives the company’s trucks. Unlike owner-operators who own and operate their own trucks, company drivers are provided with a vehicle by their employer. They are typically paid based on mileage, hours, per diem, or on fixed weekly pay or salary.

Company drivers can work in various segments of the trucking industry, including long-haul (OTR), regional, or local trucking. They may also specialize in specific types of loads, such as refrigerated goods, flatbed loads, or tanker freight.

Responsibilities of a Company Driver

Company drivers have several responsibilities, with the primary one being to safely transport goods from one location to another. Beyond this, they are also often responsible for:

Inspection and Maintenance: Before and after each trip, drivers are required to perform inspections of their vehicle to ensure it is safe to operate. They may also be responsible for basic maintenance tasks and reporting any necessary repairs to their employer.
Learn about the pre-trip inspection here.

Compliance: Company drivers must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including those related to hours of service and vehicle operation.

Communication: Good communication is essential in the role of a company driver. They must keep their employer informed about any delays or issues encountered during their trip.

Documentation: Accurate record-keeping is another important part of a company driver’s job. This may include maintaining a logbook, recording fuel expenses, and documenting delivered and received goods.
Learn more about documentation here.

Benefits of Being a Company Driver

There are several benefits to being a company driver, including:

Stable Income: Company drivers receive a consistent income, regardless of fluctuations in the freight market.

Less Financial Risk: Because the trucking company owns the vehicle, the company driver is not directly responsible for repair costs, insurance, or vehicle payments.

Benefits: As employees, company drivers often have access to benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Challenges of Being a Company Driver

Like any profession, being a company driver also comes with challenges:

Less Independence: Company drivers have less autonomy than owner-operators, as they must adhere to company policies and schedules.

Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to physical and mental fatigue, which can be a significant challenge for company drivers.
Learn more about fatigue at trucksafety.org

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