3 tips to following up with
carriers after a truck show
Brad spent two days walking around Truck World learning about his new career as a professional driver. He is halfway through his eight week course and is excited about getting out on the road as a professional driver. Never being to an industry truck show like Truck World opened his eyes as to the opportunities available in the industry outside of the driver seat. He looked at equipment and found out about all the additional services that are part of this vast industry. Although Brad has a couple opportunities for jobs back in his home town he wanted to learn more about driving opportunities and made a point to talk to as many carriers as he could.
Over the course of two days Brad talked to 35 recruiters and now that the show is over he has all these names but isn’t sure what to do with them. He sits at the table looking at the cards wondering where to start.
It’s one thing to collect cards at a show it is another to create a 
system for doing so. You could be like our friend Brad and talk to anyone gathering information on all types of products, services, and job opportunities. The problem with just talking to anyone is that it is hard to process the information later. There will be too much to sort through and conversations will begin to mesh together. A system would have you talking to people and then making notes for your personal use of the conversations so that you can act upon the best opportunities to fit your goals. If you didn’t take notes at the show then you may be in Brad’s situation wondering what to do with all the cards and information you received at the show.
Below are three tips to help you use the information you received at the show.
Tip 1- Sort the Information:
Grab a piece of paper and a pen and start by sorting the information you gathered. You can sort by highway, city, local or any other criteria that you feel is valuable. Try to sort as close to your goals as possible, for instance if you want to operate in Ontario only sort the information by the companies that have operations working in Ontario. It’s helpful to make columns or piles to sort the information. If any of the carriers don’t fit the criteria you have set for yourself then that information could be discarded although you may want to hold onto that information should you change your mind in the future.
Tip 2-Research the Information
Now that you have sorted the information that best fit for your goals you now want to do a little research. Go on the internet and review their websites or information and find out about the culture of the company, where they travel, and what opportunities do they have available. Do they operate safely and have a training program that can help you develop as a driver once you complete your training? You’re trying to find out if they are the best place to get your career started.
Tip 3-Contact your best opportunities
If you’re like Brad and started with 35 cards hopefully you have sorted the information, researched the opportunities closest to your goals and are now ready to contact those carriers. Out of the 35 contacts you should now have a list of maybe 10 that are good fit with your goals. The first step is to call or email the employer mentioning you met them at the truck show and that you are interested in learning more about opportunities with their company. Your goal here is to set up an interview with the recruiting team. You will send them your information and set up a time to meet. Your goal should be to set up 3 appointments for every ten contacts available. Then all you have to do is present yourself in a professional manner and accept the opportunity of your choice.
About the Author
Bruce Outridge has been in the transportation industry for over 30 years. He is an author of the books Driven to Drive and Running By The Mile, and host of The Lead Pedal Podcast. TTSAO also known as the Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario has certified member schools in the truck training vocation ensuring quality entry level drivers enter the transportation industry. To learn more about the TTSAO or to find a certified school in your area visit www.ttsao.com