A temp agency for truck drivers can be a lifesaver when you’re short on drivers—but how do you know if you’re choosing the right one? 

Will they send you qualified, reliable drivers? 

Do they follow proper hiring and safety standards? 

Or will they leave you dealing with delays, compliance issues, and costly mistakes?

Many businesses assume all temp agencies are the same. They’re not. Some thoroughly vet their drivers and ensure they meet DOT regulations. Others cut corners and send unqualified drivers who put your business at risk. The wrong agency can lead to missed deliveries, damaged reputations, and even legal trouble.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• Key factors to consider when choosing a truck driver temp agency.
• How to evaluate an agency’s hiring process and compliance standards.
• Red flags to watch for before signing a contract.

Let’s start by looking at why temp agencies matter in the trucking industry.

Why Temp Agency for Truck Drivers Matter

The trucking industry runs on tight schedules, and a driver shortage can throw everything off balance. A temp agency for truck drivers helps businesses fill these gaps quickly, which ensures that shipments stay on track without long-term hiring commitments.

One of the biggest advantages is flexibility. Instead of scrambling to find last-minute replacements, companies can rely on a temp agency to provide pre-screened drivers when needed. 

This reduces downtime, saves money on recruitment, and minimizes the risk of hiring unqualified drivers. Temp agencies also handle compliance, background checks, and drug testing (important factors for avoiding costly violations).

However, some businesses hesitate to use temp drivers and fear they won’t be as reliable or skilled as full-time hires. The truth is that a reputable agency carefully vets its drivers and ensures they meet industry standards. 

The key is choosing an agency that prioritizes quality and compliance.

Next, let’s explore what to look for when selecting the right temp agency.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Temp Agency

Here’s what to look for before signing a contract.

1 – Hiring Process & Driver Screening

A good temp agency thoroughly vets its drivers. 

Ask about their hiring process: Do they check driving records, verify CDL credentials, and assess experience? 

Reliable agencies conduct skills tests, road evaluations, and safety training before placing a driver with your company.

2 – Compliance & Safety Standards

DOT regulations are strict, and non-compliance can lead to hefty fines. The agency should handle background checks, drug testing, and medical certifications. If they can’t prove their compliance procedures, that’s a red flag.

3 – Industry Experience & Reputation

Look for agencies with a track record in the trucking industry. 

Check online reviews, testimonials, and references from other businesses. An agency with a solid reputation is more likely to deliver quality drivers.

4 – Contract Terms & Flexibility

Some agencies lock businesses into rigid contracts with little room for adjustments. Look for flexible terms that allow you to scale up or down based on your needs. 

Read the fine print—hidden fees and long-term commitments can create problems later.

5 – Driver Availability & Coverage Area

Does the agency have drivers available where and when you need them? A strong network ensures you’re not left scrambling when demand spikes.

How to Evaluate an Agency’s Hiring Process

A temp agency for truck drivers is only as good as the drivers it provides. That’s why evaluating their hiring process is critical. 

If they don’t thoroughly vet their drivers, you could end up dealing with late deliveries, safety risks, or even DOT violations.

Key Steps in Driver Verification

A reputable agency should:

• Verify CDL credentials and check endorsements for specific vehicle types.
• Review driving records (MVR reports) for violations, accidents, or suspensions.
• Conduct background checks for criminal history and past employment.
• Require DOT-compliant drug and alcohol testing before placement.

To avoid compliance issues, it’s important to understand what will make you fail a DOT physical. This test ensures every driver meets medical and regulatory requirements before hitting the road.

Skill Testing & Road Evaluations

Beyond paperwork, an agency should test a driver’s real-world skills. 

This includes:

• Road tests to assess driving ability under different conditions.
• Load securement and backing-up evaluations.
• Knowledge of DOT regulations and safety protocols.

Questions to Ask the Agency

Here are the questions to ask the agency:

• How do you verify a driver’s experience and qualifications?
• Do you conduct road tests, or just rely on past employment records?
• How often do you update MVR reports and background checks?
• What training do you provide to ensure drivers stay compliant?

A strong hiring process means fewer risks for your business. 

If an agency can’t clearly explain theirs, it’s a red flag.

For a hassle-free hiring process, check out how PTS can help with truck driver recruiting.

Red Flags to Watch for in a Truck Driver Temp Agency

Here are key warning signs to watch for.

Poor Driver Quality

If an agency has high turnover, frequent complaints, or drivers with spotty records, that’s a bad sign. 

Look for online reviews, DOT safety scores, and feedback from other companies. A revolving door of drivers often means poor screening and low standards.

Lack of Transparency

A reputable agency should be upfront about its hiring process, background checks, and compliance procedures. If they dodge questions or refuse to share details, they might be cutting corners. 

The same goes for vague or complicated contracts—hidden fees and inflexible terms can cause problems later.

Unrealistic Promises

No agency can guarantee perfect drivers at rock-bottom rates. 

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Quality hiring takes time and resources—agencies that promise instant placements without proper vetting should be avoided.

Conclusion

Finding the right temp agency for truck drivers is about protecting your business. The wrong agency can send unqualified drivers, leading to safety risks, late deliveries, and compliance issues. But the right agency provides experienced, vetted drivers who keep your operations running smoothly.

At Premium Transport Staffing (PTS®), we take the guesswork out of truck driver staffing. 

Our hiring process ensures that every driver meets strict industry standards, from CDL verification to DOT compliance. Whether you need temporary, temp-to-hire, or dedicated drivers, we offer flexible solutions to fit your needs—without hidden fees or long-term commitments.

With over 40 years of experience, we’ve built a reputation for providing reliable drivers, fast placements, and hassle-free staffing services. 

If you’re looking for a staffing partner that values safety, reliability, and efficiency, we’re here to help. 

Contact PTS® today to find the right drivers for your business.