The Top 10 Semi Truck Driver Interview Questions to Ask Candidates

Hiring semi truck drivers is no easy task You need to find candidates who are not only skilled behind the wheel of a big rig, but also responsible, focused, and able to handle the demands of life on the road The interview is your chance to determine if a candidate has what it takes to succeed as your company’s next semi truck driver.

Asking the right questions will help you better assess each applicant’s qualifications experience, work ethic and personality. To help you identify the most promising candidates, here are the top 10 semi truck driver interview questions to ask

1. What three adjectives would you use to describe yourself?

This opening question provides immediate insight into how the applicant sees themselves and the qualities they feel make them a strong candidate. Listen for adjectives like responsible, reliable, focused, detail-oriented, and efficient. However, be wary if they use vague terms or struggle to come up with an answer at all.

2. Why would you like to work for our company?

The candidate’s answer will reveal if they researched your company and why they want this specific job. You want to hear that your company’s values and culture appeal to them, along with aspects of the role like routes, equipment, and pay. Lack of specific details is a red flag.

3. Are you comfortable traveling for a week or longer?

Semi truck drivers often go on long trips, so applicants must be able to handle being away from home for long periods of time. Listen for realistic expectations about life on the road. Some warning signs are feeling uncomfortable being away for a long time or having unrealistic ideas about how to live.

4. Why do you think you’re right for this role?

They have to make a case for why you should hire them because of this question. They should cite relevant CDL driving experience, specific skills (e. g. using ELD systems), and align their qualities with the role’s demands. Weak or generic answers indicate lower qualifications.

5. How would you describe your driving record?

Driving history is crucial. Many companies require candidates have no major violations for several years. Press for details on any past incidents, looking for accountability and lessons learned. Lack of transparency could mean hiding larger problems.

6. What do you do to ensure you stay alert and focused while driving?

Semi drivers must stay attentive for hours on busy highways. Ask candidates to elaborate on any strategies or routines they follow to avoid fatigue. You want to hear about things like exercise breaks, proper sleeping schedules, limited distractions, and healthy diets.

7. How do you make sure you meet delivery deadlines while staying safe?

This two-part question tests their priorities. Applicants should emphasize safety comes first but explain proactive steps they take to ensure punctual deliveries like planning routes, tracking hours, and communicating with dispatch.

8. How do you handle stressful situations that come up on the road?

Driving a big rig comes with inevitable stressors like bad traffic, vehicle issues, and weather delays. Candidates should demonstrate they stay cool under pressure and have strategies to safely manage problems while also alerting dispatch if needed.

9. What interests you about our available routes?

Ask about their preferences for regional versus long haul, locations, and types of cargo. This gives you insight into job fit and also weeds out applicants who applied without regard for specifics. Lack of route awareness is a red flag.

10. Do you have any questions for me?

A prepared, engaged applicant will usually have researched your company and role and come with intelligent questions. It’s a chance to show interest and gain more intel to inform their decision if offered. No questions may indicate lower drive.

Assessing Responses and Red Flags

Pay close attention not just to the content of their answers, but their communication skills, professionalism, and critical thinking. Well-spoken candidates who provide thoughtful responses with relevant details make the best impression.

However, look out for these red flags too:

• Vague claims about safe driving without specifics
• Downplaying past incidents or blaming others
• Expression of unrealistic expectations about life as a semi driver
• Lack of route/industry knowledge and curiosity
• Poor communication skills
• Minimal insight or reflection on past experiences
• Disinterest or no questions for you

A safe, responsible semi truck driver can be a huge asset to your fleet. Asking strategic interview questions will help you determine if a candidate has what it takes or if it’s better to keep looking. Pay close attention to details, readiness to address tough topics, communication skills, and overall professionalism during the interview.

While every applicant will be understandably nervous in an interview, quality candidates will stand out for their experience, engagement, accountability, eagerness to learn, and ability to handle pressure and difficult situations on the road. Use these top semi truck driver interview questions to gain important insights into each candidate so you can feel confident your next hire is the right fit.

General Questions to Ask Semi Truck Driver Candidates

Beyond specific questions targeting their skills and experience, it’s important to include some general interview questions as you assess candidates. These types of questions provide additional insights into their work ethic, professional values, and personality:

• What do you find most rewarding about a career in trucking?
• Tell me about a time you provided excellent customer service in a difficult situation.
• How would your supervisors from past trucking jobs describe your work performance?
• Have you ever had a serious disagreement with a dispatcher or supervisor? How did you handle it?
• What are some key lessons you’ve learned from mentors throughout your trucking career?
• What are some ways trucking companies could improve the job for drivers?
• How do you stay motivated when you encounter challenges on the road?

Listen for thoughtful responses grounded in real-world examples versus theoretical answers. Assess their communication skills, positivity, areas of constructive feedback versus complaints, and ability to resolve conflicts respectfully.

5 Must-Ask Behavioral Interview Questions for Semi Truck Drivers

In addition to technical expertise, semi truck drivers need essential soft skills like responsibility, focus, discipline, communication skills, and problem-solving.

Behavioral interview questions that probe how applicants handled real workplace situations in the past offer valuable insights into these competencies. Here are 5 behavioral questions that should be on every semi truck driver interview:

1. Describe a time you felt overwhelmed with your workload demands. How did you handle it?

This tests their coping strategies under pressure which is crucial for semi drivers facing tight deadlines. You want to hear how they prioritized, asked for help if needed, and implemented solutions.

2. Tell me about a mistake you made that negatively impacted a delivery deadline or route. How did you handle the situation?

Everyone makes mistakes but accountability and learning from errors are vital. Listen for transparency, ownership of the result, and thoughtful approach to preventing future occurrences without excuses.

3. Recall a time you had a disagreement with a dispatcher, coworker or supervisor. How did you handle it?

Assessing conflict management skills is key for roles that require extensive communication with dispatch and others to coordinate routes. An ability to convey concerns while remaining calm and professional is ideal.

4. Describe a time you went above and beyond your duties to delight a customer or help out a coworker or supervisor.

The answer reveals if they’re a team player who takes initiative to exceed expectations. It also demonstrates their commitment to the job and motivation level.

5. Tell me about a high-pressure situation you faced while driving. How did you stay focused and ensure safety?

Semi drivers need competence under pressure. Listen for realistic examples of how they overcame challenges through composure, concentration, and sound decision making.

Pay close attention to the actions they took, communication approach, and emotional intelligence demonstrated based on their examples. Their stories should reinforce the positive traits and competencies you want in your next driver.

Questions to Gauge Knowledge of DOT Regulations

In addition to driving skills, semi truck drivers must maintain extensive knowledge of federal DOT regulations and protocols. The interview is a prime opportunity to assess candidates’ understanding of these transportation industry standards. Consider asking these DOT regulation questions:

• Walk me through your process for inspecting a semi truck before a long haul.
• What are some key DOT regulations all semi truck drivers must comply with?
• How many hours is a semi truck driver allowed to drive per day before mandatory breaks?
• What types of loads require special DOT permits?
• What is the maximum weight limit for a semi truck on interstate highways?
• What paperwork and records are semi truck drivers required to keep updated?
• When can a semi truck driver be placed out of service by DOT officers?
• What penalties exist for violating HOS regulations?

Candidates don’t need to cite law chapter and verse, but should demonstrate a working knowledge of DOT trucking regulations and the safety principles behind them. Any major gaps are a red flag.

Using a Semi Truck Driver Interview Scorecard

Creating a structured interview scorecard can help standardize your process and allow for consistent evaluations of each semi truck driver candidate.

Include the interview questions you feel are most important along with a scoring scale for candidate responses. For example:

**Semi Truck Driver Interview Score