FAQs

Many of your questions will likely be answered here, however please keep in mind you can always speak to a recruiter by phone or email. Once you have decided that Simbeck is the right choice for you, our Getting Started page will take you through the application process.

Where exactly is Simbeck located?

Simbeck is located in the city of Winchester, Virginia. If you are looking at a map of Virginia - Winchester is located right at the top of the state near the state lines of West Virginia, Maryland and not so far away Pennsylvania. Winchester is located within Frederick County, Virginia.

How often will I get home?

It all depends primarily on where you live, but in general most Simbeck drivers are home every other day or so, and then off a day or two, which is often on the weekend. Please keep in mind though, that the needs of the customer dictate our days out and you should be prepared to be gone for up to a week at a time. You will also be required to work at times on weekends and/or holidays. If you live outside our primary freight  lanes expect to be home less frequently.

How does Simbeck pay ?

Simbeck utilizes a sliding pay scale dependant on the length of the load. The pay scale explains how different loads are paid. Drivers are paid each week on Friday for all loads completed the previous pay week.

Why doesn't Simbeck just pay a flat cents per mile instead of using a sliding scale?

The short answer is because of the type loads we transport. The loads vary so much mileage wise for a given driver over a few pay weeks. One driver may run a 300 mile load  followed by an 80 mile load followed by a 125 mile load and then a 500 mile load. The same driver may run several 125 mile loads the following week and not get anything over 300 miles. The differences have to be offset some how, and the two most common ways are to either pay a flat rate cents per mile on all miles (as many carriers do) and then supplement the shorter runs with lump sums - or to utilize a sliding scale which is the choice Simbeck has made.

What Kind of Equipment Will I be Assigned?

All tractors are conventionals and they range from new to several years old. Trucks are assigned for all full time regional drivers. The only trucks we slip seat on a regular basis are on shuttle accounts in general. Typically the transmission will be either 10 speed or super 10 and we do have a few that have auto shift. Road tractors are air ride. Trailers are 53 foot  dry vans or reefer trailers. 

How  do drivers communicate with dispatch?

Drivers are provided with toll free numbers and the telephone is our primary method of communication.

Does Simbeck currently use satellite communication?

No, although it is a possibility in the future. Simbeck currently relies on telephones.

What if I have to be home for an important date like an anniversary, or birthday that's really important to me?

Simply fill out a written time off request in advance and submit it for approval. Once it has been approved your time off will be entered into the computer system and you will be off on the approved dates, barring any unforeseen emergency.

What kind of fuel card will I get?

Flying J is our primary fuel stop and you will be issue a TCH card. We also have our own fuel facilities on our yard and you will be given a separate card to use for our pumps. Since many of our runs are out and back and relatively short many times you will be able to fuel on the yard.

Does Simbeck pay tolls?

Simbeck pays all authorized tolls and in most cases Prepass or a company issued toll card will take care of it. In other cases you will be issued a cash advance, and you will need to record the tolls paid and turn in the receipts.

Who handles maintenance and repairs?

We have our own shop that can take care of everything from a PM to major repairs on site.

What about paid holidays?

We currently have six paid holidays. 

• New Years
• July 4th
• Labor day
• Memorial Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas

Does Simbeck offer any paid vacation?

Yes. Up to three weeks total. One week is earned after one year of full time employment, from the date of hire. Then you will earn additional time for each additional year of full time service until you reach the maximum of three weeks.

Do you offer direct deposit?

Yes, and it is highly recommended.

What kind of medical benefits does Simbeck offer?

Optima Health is our primary medical insurance carrier. The company pays a portion of the employee's premium. The actual cost per week is dependent on what type of coverage you wish to have; employee only, employee and spouse, employee and child or family coverage. You also have a choice of deductible amounts which will affect the premium cost.

Does Simbeck have a rider program?

Yes. Our drivers really value being able to take a friend or family member out with them from time to time. Minimum age is 10 years old and no more than one passenger may be taken out at a time. Terms and conditions apply.

Can I  take my pet with me?

No. At this time there is no pet rider program.

Do you run teams?

Our freight base is not what is typically considered as team freight. We will on a case by case basis hire a team, however it is extremely important that each team member fully understand the type of freight that will be transported is primarily the same as the solo drivers are hauling. For some this works great, but for those who are use to coast to coast type runs with drop and hook on both ends, its certainly NOT that.

Does Simbeck hire trainees?

Absolutely! Basically if you have a Class A license (NOT A PERMIT) but less than two full years of recent verifiable experience, within the last three years, we will consider you a trainee. Most trainees come to us immediately upon graduation from a licensed formal truck driving school (you need to be here within 90 days of your graduation date, or a refresher certificate may be required). Others have completed school, completed initial training with another company and have only a few weeks or a few months of running solo and then enter our training program. We require up to three weeks with a Simbeck trainer (Driver Training Specialist) then upon successful completion of an in-depth final road test, you will begin working as a solo regional driver.

Note: If you do not yet have a Class A CDL but would like to become a professional truck driver, check out www.professionaldriversresource.com

Do you require a commitment for a minimum time for trainees?

Please understand, its takes a lot of money and other resources to train someone properly. It also is considered a risk by every insurance company we have ever dealt with, and we have had to do a lot of work to justify our program to the satisfaction  of our insurers. We require a 90 day obligation, and most people agree that is more than reasonable.

Does Simbeck offer tuition reimbursement?

No. But having said that, we do offer an opportunity to earn a substantial income during your initial year driving, so you can always take part of that and consider it your own self managed tuition reimbursement program.

Do you run to New York City ?

Not on a daily basis, but we do go there from time to time. Experienced drivers may get a load assignment there dependent on customer needs.