Recruiter Call Guide

Internal operator reference — not for distribution

Open on second screen during calls. Work top to bottom. Expand only the section you need.

Pre-Call Checklist

Confirm driver applied for the correct job posting
Confirm regional fit (Waco-based, willing to run TX/surrounding)
Confirm CDL-A with at least 2 years experience
Ask about manual transmission and doubles
Ask about military base access
Confirm safety record — accidents, violations, SAP
Explain 1099 and home-time accurately
Set the next action (application link, follow-up time)
Save notes in ATS before moving on

1. Call Purpose

You are screening — not selling. The goal is to find out if this driver is a fit for the carrier, and if the job is a fit for the driver. A short, honest call saves everyone time.

Qualify, do not oversell. If the driver is not a fit, say so politely and move on. Do not push people into positions they will leave in two weeks.

2. Opening Script

Live call

Hi, this is [Name] with ProHRHQ. You responded to a CDL-A regional opening out of Waco. I'm calling to see if the position fits what you're looking for, and if it does, I can connect you with the carrier.

Voicemail

Hi, this is [Name] with ProHRHQ calling about the CDL-A regional position out of Waco you inquired about. Give me a call back at 251-216-1933 when you get a chance. I'd like to see if it's a fit for you. Thanks.

Callback / follow-up

Hi, this is [Name] with ProHRHQ — I'm returning your call about the Waco regional CDL position. Have a couple of minutes to go over it?

Note: voicemails are often transcribed to text by the phone. Speak clearly and include the callback number.

3. Job Snapshot

Location Waco, TX regional — primarily Texas and surrounding states
Freight Military PX freight (commissary / exchange deliveries)
Classification 1099 independent contractor
Pay 25% of the load (most carriers); one carrier pays 27% (doubles)
Home Time Home 2–3 nights per week, weekends off
Requirements CDL-A, 2 years experience, manual transmission on 3 of 4 carriers
Special Driver-assist unloading, possible doubles depending on carrier

Be upfront about 1099 status and manual requirement early. These are the two most common deal-breakers.

4. Must-Ask Screening Questions

Ask all of these. Do not skip any — each one maps to an insurability or carrier requirement.

Experience

How long have you had your CDL-A?
Are you looking for regional, local, or OTR?

Equipment

Can you drive a manual (stick shift)?
Do you have a doubles endorsement, or would you be willing to get one?

Access & Clearance

Can you get on a military base? Any issues with base access?

Safety & Compliance

Any accidents, tickets, or HOS violations on your commercial record in the last 36 months?
Have you ever been through the SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) program?
Anything in your history that could cause insurance rates to go up?

Fit

Are you comfortable with night driving?
Are you comfortable with driver-assist unloading (hand trucks, pallet jacks)?

If the driver hesitates or avoids the safety questions, that is a yellow flag. Note it.

5. What to Listen For

Good Signs

Honesty — direct answers, doesn't dodge questions
Calm — patient, not aggressive or pushy
Clear history — can describe recent work without gaps or confusion
Professionalism — polite, asks reasonable questions
Stability — has a life (family, routine, reasons to stay local)

Concerns

Vague about work history or recent gaps
Aggressive or impatient tone from the start
Won't answer safety questions directly
Mentions insurance problems or license issues unprompted
Demands information about pay before anything else

You're looking for normal people with a life and a reason to go to work. If they can't be polite on a screening call, they won't be polite to a dispatcher.

6. What to Enter in Notes

Keep notes short and factual. This is what the carrier and other recruiters will read.

Suggested format

Wants: regional only Experience: 3 years CDL-A Manual: yes Doubles: no but willing Base access: no known issue Safety: clean / 1 minor — no recent serious Night: okay Driver-assist: okay Tone: professional, calm Next: send application link / follow up Thu AM

Always include:

Callback time if they asked for one
Any concern or hesitation you noticed
Recommended next status (advance / follow-up / not a fit)

7. How to Explain Next Steps

If the driver sounds like a fit, walk them through what comes next. Keep it simple.

Step 1 — This Call We're on it. You're being screened for basic fit.
Step 2 — Application I'll send you a link by email. The form is partly pre-filled. Fill in the rest — takes about 10 minutes.
Step 3 — Documents We'll need your CDL, medical card, and a few signatures. All done online.
Step 4 — Carrier Review The carrier reviews your application and MVR. They make the final call.
Step 5 — Dispatch If approved, the carrier's dispatcher sets up your first load. We stay in touch through the process.

The application link is: https://ats2.nsgia.com
It works on phones — most drivers do it from their phone.

8. Disqualifiers / Yellow Flags

Hard Stops

No CDL-A or less than 2 years experience
Active SAP program or unresolved substance issue
Cannot get on a military base
Serious recent accidents or multiple violations
Unwilling to do driver-assist unloading

Yellow Flags (note but don't auto-reject)

Aggressive or unreliable tone on the call
Evasive about work history or gaps
One minor violation but otherwise clean
No manual experience but willing to learn (carrier-dependent)
Asking only about pay before anything else
Won't commit to a callback time

Yellow flags get noted in the ATS. Let the carrier decide — your job is to document accurately.

9. Disposition / Outcome

After the call, update the applicant status in ATS. Use one of these:

Advance Driver is qualified and interested. Send application link.
Follow Up Later Interested but needs to call back or check something. Set a date.
Needs Documents Verbal fit confirmed, waiting on CDL / med card / forms.
Not a Fit Doesn't meet requirements or isn't interested. Note reason.
No Response / Voicemail Left message. Set follow-up for 24–48 hours.

10. Quick Script Library

Pay clarification

Pay is a percentage of the load — most carriers pay 25%, one pays 27% because they run doubles. It's not a flat weekly rate, so your take depends on how many loads you run. Most drivers in this lane are doing well with it.

1099 clarification

This is a 1099 independent contractor position. You're responsible for your own taxes. The carrier does not withhold. Most drivers in this role prefer it because the take-home is higher and you have more flexibility.

Home-time clarification

It's a regional run out of Waco. Most drivers are home 2–3 nights a week and weekends are off. It's not OTR — you're not gone for weeks at a time.

Objection: "I only drive automatic"

I understand. Three of the four carriers require manual transmission, so those wouldn't be a fit. Let me check if the one automatic carrier has availability. Can I take your info and get back to you?

Objection: "That pay seems low"

I hear you. The percentage is based on the load value, and military PX freight tends to be consistent volume. Most drivers who've been on this lane are satisfied. I'd rather you talk to the carrier directly about what the numbers actually look like week to week — they can give you real figures.

Closing (positive call)

Great — sounds like this could be a good fit. I'm going to send you the application link by email right after this call. The form is partly pre-filled, so it won't take long. Once that's in, I'll get you in front of the carrier. Any questions before we wrap up?