What is temp-to-hire?
Temp-to-hire or Temp-to-perm is an arrangement where a staffing agency places a worker at a company on a temporary basis with the option to transition to full time employment with the company.
Why do trucking carriers use temp-to-hire?
Carriers typically use temporary truck drivers through staffing agencies to fill driver shortages or absences, meet increased seasonal business demands, or assess whether a temporary truck driver would be a good permanent fit for the team.
Why use a staffing agency for temp-to-hire truck drivers?
Truck driver staffing agencies like Fundamental Labor Strategies take the guesswork and the leg work out of hiring for trucking carriers. A staffing agency handles everything from job posting and hiring to dispatching and paying temp-to-hire truck drivers.
What is the hiring process like for temp-to-hire truck drivers?
You can apply for a Temp-to-hire open position or you can work with a staffing agency, like Fundamental Labor Strategies, that matches you with available temp-to-hire opportunities. View all available truck driving jobs.
Once you apply, the staffing company reviews your application and selects qualified candidates to move forward in the onboarding process. The onboarding process includes an interview, an assessment of the driver’s fit with job, and thorough verification of:
- Driver’s License and CDL Status
- DOT Medical Card
- Employment Verification
- Motor Vehicle Record
- FMCSA Clearinghouse Record
- Criminal Background Check
- Pre-Employment Screening Program Check
- Drug & Alcohol Testing
If approved and onboarded, you will begin working for the staffing company and be placed with the carrier.
What are the advantages of being a temp-to-hire truck driver?
There are many benefits to being a temp-to-hire truck driver. Not only does the carrier evaluate whether you are a good fit for the team, but you also can determine whether the position is a good match for you. Additionally, working as a temporary truck driver, you have the opportunity to work for one staffing agency and try out several carriers and gain experience in a broad range of driving jobs. Temp-to-hire positions can strengthen your resume and earn you strong recommendations that can help you get future truck driving jobs.
What are the disadvantages of being a temp-to-hire truck driver?
Temp-to-hire positions do not always turn into full-time employment and are often considered short-term jobs. Sometimes, during the contract period, benefits may be minimal or not paid for by the company.
Who pays the temporary truck driver during their contract?
Temp-to-hire truck drivers are paid by the staffing agency that places them with a carrier. While drivers complete their routes and job duties for the carrier, they are not paid directly by that company. Instead, the carrier pays the staffing agency for its services, and the agency handles the driver’s payroll. If the driver is eventually hired full-time, they transition from the staffing agency to the carrier’s payroll and are no longer placed through the agency.
Do temp-to-hire truck drivers get employee benefits?
Temporary truck drivers are usually covered by the staffing agency’s benefit offerings until they are hired permanently by the company.
How long does a temp-to-hire truck driving position last?
Temp-to-hire positions can last anywhere from one month to six months or longer. This timeline can sometimes be shortened or extended depending on how quickly the company determines whether the driver is a good fit for a permanent role or based on their hiring needs. Most staffing agencies have a standard period, typically 30, 60, or 90 days. If a company permanently hires a temporary truck driver before that period ends, it may be required to pay the staffing agency a buyout fee.
What happens when the temp-to-hire period ends?
When the temp-to-hire period ends, the carrier evaluates whether to offer permanent employment, extend the temporary assignment, or end the assignment. If a temporary truck driver’s assignment ends, the driver can stay with the staffing agency and can be placed with a different carrier.
Is becoming a full-time employee guaranteed?
No, working as a temp-to-hire truck driver does not guarantee a full-time offer. Permanent employment depends on the company’s hiring needs and the driver’s performance.
How to succeed in a temp-to-hire truck driving position?
During your time as a temp-to-hire truck driver, you must be on time and drive safely and professionally. Building good rapport, creating positive relationships, and going above and beyond in the position can improve your chances of being considered for permanent employment. If you earn the respect of the staffing agency, you can continue to work through the agency and get consistent job placements.