Driver FAQs

Why Drivers Choose Sharkey Transportation

What makes Sharkey different from other trucking companies?

We’re not fancy, we’re focused on you.

How long do drivers stay at Sharkey?

Our drivers average over 6 years with us.

Our Fleet Managers average over 16 years.

This is a company where drivers can build something long-term. We’ve been doing this since 1971, and that experience shows in how we plan freight, support drivers, and keep things consistent week to week.

How many dispatchers will I work with?

You will work with one Fleet Manager day-to-day.

For after-hours support, our dispatch team is available 24/7.

Our Quincy, Illinois headquarters serves as the central hub for operations, keeping communication consistent across the board.

How much experience do your Fleet Managers have?

Our Fleet Managers average over 16 years with Sharkey.

Many have hands-on experience in trucking, including OTR driving, which leads to better planning and more consistent weeks for drivers.

Driver Pay at Sharkey Transportation

How much do Sharkey Transportation drivers make?

Drivers average from $1,200 to $2,200 gross pay per week. Pay depends on division, home time, and lane.

Dry Van / Reefer (CPM):

Flatbed (CPM):

Flatbed Crane (CPM):

Percentage Pay:

All plans include 100% premium-free family health insurance.

You will work directly with one recruiter to determine the best option based on your experience, location, and how you want to run.

How does the $1 per mile incentive work?

CPM plans earn $1.00 per mile starting with the 2,000th mile in a week.

The incentive is designed to reward higher miles, not limit them. Drivers operate within DOT Hours of Service regulations.

Can I earn more if I don’t need insurance?

Yes. If you don’t need medical coverage, you can opt out and take the additional pay instead.

It’s your choice—coverage or additional pay.

How often are drivers paid?

Weekly. Pay is W-2.

When do I receive my first paycheck?

Your first paycheck is mailed to your home address.

After that, all future pay is issued weekly through direct deposit. Direct deposit is set up during orientation.

Do you offer guaranteed pay and/or hourly positions?

Yes.

What is the highest paying driving position?

Flatbed Crane drivers earn 70 CPM across all home time options and are eligible for the $1.00 per mile incentive after 2,000 miles.

Home Time and Miles

How often will I be home?

Home time depends on the schedule you choose. We offer:

Home Daily positions are limited and are only available in select locations. Your recruiter will work with you to match a schedule that fits how you want to run.

Can I change my home time later?

Yes. If your current schedule or lane isn’t working, we’ll work with you to find a better fit whenever possible.

You’ll work directly with one dedicated Fleet Manager and have support from a Driver Advocate.

This may include:

The goal is to find a setup that works for both you and the operation.

How many miles do drivers get each week?

Miles vary by lane and home time.

With approximately 98% preplanned freight and 65% drop and hook, drivers have control over their weekly miles while operating within DOT guidelines.

How much of your freight is drop and hook?

Approximately 65% of our freight is drop and hook.

Freight, Lanes, and Divisions

What divisions do you offer?

Drivers can choose from:

Your recruiter will help match you with the division that fits your experience and how you want to run.

Orientation at Sharkey Transportation

What happens during orientation?

Orientation takes place in Quincy, Illinois and typically lasts three days.

During orientation, you will:

Will I need a DOT physical and drug test?

Yes. All drivers complete a new DOT physical and drug test during orientation, regardless of previous documentation.

What paperwork will I need to complete?

You will complete a significant amount of paperwork, including:

What should I bring to orientation?

Bring:

What information do I need for benefits enrollment?

If you plan to enroll yourself and/or dependents, you will need:

Where is orientation held?

Orientation is held near our corporate headquarters in Quincy, Illinois at the Sharkey Driver Recruiting & Training Center.

2148 N 36th Street
Quincy, IL 62305

Equipment and Driver Policies

Do you have assigned trucks?

Yes. Each driver is assigned their own Mack truck.

Can I take my truck home?

Yes. You can take your truck home during time off, provided you have a safe and approved parking location for both the truck and trailer.

What kind of trucks do you run?

Our fleet is all Mack trucks, and nearly all are automatic. We have Mack Pinnacles and Mack Anthems from 2014 to new currently on the road. 

How are trucks assigned?

Trucks are assigned based on experience, safe driving record, home time, location, performance, company longevity, and equipment availability.

Are there driver-facing cameras?

No. Our trucks are equipped with outward-facing cameras only. There are no inward-facing cameras.

What ELD system do you use?

We use Samsara for electronic logs.

Do your trucks have APUs or inverters?

Yes. Trucks are equipped with APUs or inverters and do not have idle shutdowns.

Do you provide microwaves, refrigerators, or TVs?

No. Drivers have the flexibility to configure their truck with the equipment they prefer.

Can I remove the passenger seat?

Yes. Drivers may choose to remove the passenger seat.

This decision is typically made during the first day of orientation. Many drivers use the extra space for storage or larger refrigerators.

Can I take my truck home?

Yes, if you have a safe and approved location for both the truck and trailer.

Do you allow pets?

No, pets are not allowed.

Service animals are permitted. 

What is your rider policy?

After 90 days of employment, an approved rider is allowed at no additional charge. Riders must be an immediate family member 10 years of age or older. Only one rider is allowed at a time. 

Riders must meet company requirements and complete necessary paperwork before riding.

Benefits

What benefits do you offer?

We offer a full benefits package with 100% premium-free family health insurance.

When do benefits start?

Hiring Requirements

What are the requirements to drive for Sharkey?

Do you offer CDL training?

No. We do not offer CDL school or permit training.

Do you offer OTR Driver Training?

Yes. We offer paid OTR Driver Training for new CDL-A graduates.

Acceptance depends on location, trainer availability, work history, safety record, and other qualifying factors.

Learn more:
https://www.shke.com/otr-driver-training-program/

Do you hire SAP drivers?

Yes, we may consider drivers who have completed the SAP program.

Each situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

We recommend contacting our recruiting team to discuss your specific situation.

Do you offer tuition reimbursement?

Yes. We offer up to $4,100 in tuition reimbursement.

Do you have Owner Operator opportunities?

Yes. Contact recruiting or visit our Owner Operator page for more information.

Apply to Sharkey Transportation

How do I apply?

Start your application here:
https://www.sharkeydrivingjobs.com

Or contact our recruiting team:

☎️ 800-354-8945
🕒 Weekdays 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST