Experienced truck drivers will tell you that their chosen career is not just a job for them. It’s a lifestyle, and they’ve learned the good and bad aspects of driving for a living.

They’ll tell you that there is a sort of freedom that comes with trucking jobs and driving a long-haul rig, but there is also a massive learning curve associated with the work.

These veteran truck drivers will also explain that finding the right trucking company to work for will determine whether or not you succeed in this career.

CareerBuilder found that there were more than 1 million job postings for heavy or tractor-trailer truck drivers in a single month this year. However, many of the companies offered average salaries that were significantly less than those provided by established employers in the trucking industry.

It’s no surprise that only 106,355 truck drivers got hired as a result of all those ads.

For the last few years, there have been numerous reports regarding a shortage of truck drivers. That shortage translates to thousands of well-paying, legitimate trucking jobs in California and around the country.

Here are some ways to determine whether a trucking company offering a truck driver position is worth a closer look.

Find Good Trucking Jobs: Word of Mouth

The word will get out if a company is established, has a solid reputation for treating its truck drivers with respect, and offers a competitive wage, bonuses, and benefits. Ask around. Drivers will not hesitate to tell you the companies you should avoid and what to look for in trucking jobs.

Trucking Jobs and Safety: Condition of Equipment

Bad employers have unreliable equipment that will likely result in you being stranded somewhere. Not only that, poorly maintained or old equipment can be dangerous. Reliable equipment is an employer’s responsibility, and reputable trucking firms will be proud to tell you about theirs.

Trucking Jobs: Research Potential Employers

Research your top choices online, where you can find turnover rates and other pertinent information about each company. Learn how long the company has been in business.

Find statistics reflecting their safety record. If you’ve found potential trucking jobs in California through a recruiter, you should still do your homework about the trucking company. Don’t accept everything a recruiter tells you at face value.