Are you ready to answer the questions that actually matter to top-tier truck drivers?
Because the best drivers out there aren’t just looking for a job—they’re also checking to see if your company is the right fit for them.
At Superior Trucking Payroll Service, we work with many trucking companies who want to hire and keep the best drivers. And we’ve learned that top drivers ask smart questions during interviews. And we want to help you find them and reap the benefit of having a great team.
In this article, we’ll show you the three most common questions great drivers ask and how your answers can help you build a stronger, safer, and more loyal team.
Why These Questions Matter
You already know this: driver turnover is expensive and frustrating.
When a good driver leaves, you lose time, money, and maybe even customers. And when a new driver quits after only a few weeks, it’s often because their expectations don’t match what they were promised.
That’s why good drivers ask questions upfront.
They don’t want to waste their time. And if your answers aren’t clear or honest, they’ll walk.
Question #1: “Can I See the Maintenance Records for the Truck I’ll Be Driving?”
This question tells you something big about the driver.
It means they care about safety. They don’t want to drive a truck that might break down or cause an accident.
These drivers are careful, and they’re thinking long-term. They want to protect their CDL, avoid tickets, and get home safe.
What You Should Say:
“Absolutely. We keep full records of every truck. Our trucks are serviced every [X] miles and we check for issues after each trip. I’d be happy to show you the last service log.”
If you can show drivers that your trucks are well cared for, you’ll earn their trust fast. This can make a big difference in whether they choose your company or move on to the next one.
Question #2: “What’s Your Driver Turnover Rate?”
This is a tough one for a lot of companies—but it’s important.
When drivers ask about turnover, they’re asking: “Why don’t drivers stay here?”
They want to know if your company treats drivers right. If the turnover is high, they want to know why, and what you trying to fix it?
What You Shouldn't Say:
“We had a lot of bad drivers. That’s why they left.”
This doesn’t help you. It just tells the driver you’ve made bad hires and haven’t learned from it.
What You Should Say:
“Yes, our turnover was high before. But we have learned a lot. We started listening to driver feedback. These are the changes we’ve made…. Now our turnover is better.”
Honesty builds respect. Don’t be afraid to admit you had problems—just make sure you explain how you fixed them.
Question #3: “How Do You Reward High-Performing Drivers?”
Good drivers know their worth. They want to know that safe, smart, and hard-working drivers get treated well.
If a driver stays accident-free, uses less fuel, and avoids violations, they’ll want to know how you recognize that effort.
If You Say Nothing…
That sends the message: “We don’t really notice or care.” And that’s a big red flag for drivers who take pride in their work.
What You Should Say:
“We offer safety bonuses and rewards for things like low idle time. Drivers who go six months without an accident get a bonus. We also give small raises based on performance and driving habits.”
And when it comes to CSA scores, make sure you explain it clearly. CSA stands for Compliance, Safety, and Accountability—and it’s the company’s score, not the driver’s. But driver behavior affects that score, so it’s still important.
You might say: “We track things like inspections and safe driving. It helps our CSA score and shows us which drivers are doing a great job.”
Even small rewards—like gift cards or a simple thank-you call—can go a long way. Drivers want to feel seen. And when they feel appreciated, they’re more likely to stick with your company.
Final Thoughts: Are You Ready for the Best Drivers?
If you’ve had trouble with turnover or hiring the wrong drivers, think about how you’re answering these questions.
Great drivers will ask:
- “Can I see your truck maintenance records?”
- “What’s your turnover rate?”
- “How do you reward good drivers?”
If you’re not ready to answer these well, you might be pushing away the very drivers you want to hire.
But when you give honest, clear answers, you’ll stand out from other companies. You’ll show drivers that you care—and that makes a big difference.
And when it comes to paying those drivers the right way—on time, with clear bonuses, per diem, and all the back-end stuff handled—Superior Trucking Payroll Service has your back.
We’re more than just a payroll company. We’re your partner in keeping great drivers happy, loyal, and paid right—every time.
Need help building a better trucking team? Check out our Learning Center for more helpful information.
Written by Mike Ritzema
Before founding Superior Trucking Payroll Service, Mike was the CFO of a trucking company with 80 trucks and a thriving brokerage. This experience gave him the perspective that a payroll solution has to make the lives of the office people better. All the solutions he has designed are to benefit everyone. Our company mission is to help trucking families and that includes the company owners, the drivers, and the office.