How to Quit a Trucking Job

Making the decision to leave a trucking job can be a difficult one. There are a multitude of reasons why you may want to leave, whether that be to go work for a different trucking company or break into a new industry. No matter the reason, it is important to make a strong effort to leave a position on good terms and in the proper way. Follow these tips to help you navigate quitting a trucking job in a professional, respectful, and pleasant manner.

Communicate

Communication is the key element in leaving any position. Without instigating proper communication with your driving manager, you can make the quitting process very difficult. 

• Provide Proper Notice

Once you have made the decision to quit your trucking job, you need to make a plan of how you will notify your driving manager. The best way to do this is to give a verbal or written resignation that informs the company of your reasoning for quitting. If you decide to give a written notice of resignation, you need to follow up to ensure your resignation was received.

• Give Notice as Soon as Possible

In order to leave on good terms, you need to provide your employer with at least 2 weeks notice of your resignation. Leaving without notice is highly unprofessional and can make it difficult to receive a letter of recommendation or other favors that may be needed from your employers later on.

Be Respectful

A little bit of respect can go a long way in the quitting process. Leaving in a respectful manner is something that will stick with your employer and can be beneficial for you in the long run. 

• Return Truck and All Equipment

Before your last day on the job, return all equipment and your truck as instructed by your employer. Make sure all equipment is in the same shape you found it in and returned to the proper location. 

• Thank Employers and Colleagues

Within the 2 weeks or more after you give your notice of resignation, make it your mission to thank all those you have had the pleasure of working with. Thank your supervisors, managers, safety directors, dispatchers, and fellow employees. Whether you had a good relationship with the company or not, leaving on a respectful and thankful note will benefit you.

• Do Not Abandon a Load

The worst thing you can do is to return your truck under a load you were dispatched on. Ensure that all of your assigned deliveries were fulfilled before returning your equipment and leaving your position.

Gather Documentation

• Ask for Letter of Recommendation

If you have a positive relationship with any of the higher-ups at your company, you should seize the opportunity to ask for favors that will benefit you in your future job search journey. Ask your managers and fellow truckers for letters of recommendation or to be references if you ever need one. Only do this if you feel they would portray you positively to other companies.

• Get Proof of Employment

Having documentation of employment can aid you (and your resume) in the job search process. Before leaving a company, ask your employer for a copy of your employment record, safety file, or any other documentation that you feel could be helpful.

• Record All Communication

No matter your relationship with the company, it is vitally important that you keep a record of all communication involved in your resignation. This can help to protect you later on.

There are many elements involved with the process of quitting a trucking job. Overall, the most important thing to remember is to be professional, respectful, and amiable. No matter how your experience was with the company, always try to prioritize your future by leaving a job on good terms. 

Why Do Truck Drivers Quit?

It seems today that there is a shortage of employees in every industry. The shortage of truck drivers today has led to working conditions and pay to be less than desirable in the industry. Many workers are overworked, leading to many quitting their trucking job. 

There is a multitude of individuals who are qualified and capable of filling trucking positions to end the shortage.

Apply for a trucking job, and get hired today!