A truck driver phone screen checks three things before anyone spends time on an interview: the license, the record, and whether the route fits the driver's life. Here are the questions to ask and the answers that end the screen.
| # | Question | Ends the screen when |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Which license do you hold: CDL Class A, Class B, or a regular license? | It isn't the class the truck requires |
| 2 | Which endorsements do you have (hazmat, tanker, doubles and triples)? | The load needs one they lack |
| 3 | How many years have you driven [local, regional or over-the-road]? | Below the minimum your insurer accepts |
| 4 | Any accidents or moving violations in the last three years? | More than your insurer accepts |
| 5 | Is your DOT medical card current? When does it expire? | Expired, and they can't renew before the start date |
| 6 | This job requires a drug test and a driving-record check before you start. Are you okay with that? | They decline |
| 7 | The route is [local, home every night]. Does that work for you? | The home time doesn't fit |
| 8 | The job pays [$X an hour, or X cents a mile]. Does that work for you? | They decline |
| 9 | When could you start? | Never ends it. It sorts who to call first |
Hiring delivery drivers who don't need a CDL? Replace questions 1 and 2 with "Do you have a valid driver's license?" and your minimum age.
The usual reasons are the wrong license class, a driving record the insurer won't cover, and home time that doesn't fit. Ask the license question first, and state the route and pay before the driver has to ask.
TextWorkHi Marcus, this is [Company]. Thanks for applying to the Class A driver job. Got a few minutes for some quick questions?
MarcusYep
TextWorkWhich license do you hold: CDL Class A, Class B, or a regular license?
MarcusClass A, with tanker
TextWorkGood. How many years have you driven regional routes?
MarcusAbout 6
TextWorkAny accidents or moving violations in the last three years?
License class, endorsements, years of experience, driving record, medical card, and whether the route and pay work. Anything else can wait for the interview.
No. The screen tells you who is worth checking. The record check, drug test and the rest of the required paperwork still happen before the driver starts.
Something missing? Email [email protected].
