Letter of Intent to Hire
 

I received a Letter of Intent to Hire from the trucking company I would like to drive for after I finish school. This is new to me. I know its not binding in any way. But, | am curious as to why a trucking company even goes to the trouble of writing one. The company had received my application and a copy of my DOT physical paperwork. I had spoken to a recruiter. But had not had a formal interview. They had also not checked my driving record (in fact they asked me to stop by and sign a release so they could check my driving record). When I stopped by and signed the form they gave me the Letter of Intent. The offer is contingent of good attendance and graduation from driving school.

My question is: Why do they do this? Is it worth the paper its written on? Should I continue to apply with other companies to maximize my opportunities?

Don't count on it. Have backup plans just in case.

New Term
 

Letter of Intent to Hire = new term for old term - Prehire Letter. Not worth the paper it's printed on.
"Why do they do this?" Make a newb feel good. "Is it worth the paper its written on?" No. "Should I continue to apply with other companies to maximize my opportunities?" By all means, you may end up with a better company. "sign a release so they could check my driving record" Hope you read it 'cause you may also have signed off for 'em to check your credit record too.
Many companies do no background checking until prospective drivers show for orientation. BOL

Thanks to both Northmsdriver and Sealord. I thought it was a feel good letter (and it worked!). I don't have a problem with a credit check being done (nothing to hide). But, the document did not ask for my DOB or SS# so I don't know how they would access my credit history.

A prehire comes in handy when applying for loans and grants (for getting into a school, for instance). Aside from that? To let you know they are interested in you? Schools that provide job placement service usually take interest in them, as well.

the release/authorization form is also used to contact former employers to employment info - it shows that the company has your permission to dig up your dirt ;) not all companies check your credit though. i know we don't here. the release we have just states that we know the DOT regulations for finding out previous employer info (including dates of hire/term, accident/safety info, drug & alcohol testing results, etc) and you, as the applicant, say it's ok to do such a thing.

all that is is a glorified way to say a invitation toorientation,or in other words they reserved a seat for you along with prolly 75 others got the same letter so in other words it doe's not mean SH!T cuase you still have to go thru the hiring process.

I needed a letter of intent when I purchased my truck. Without it, my financing would have fallen through. I can't think of any logical reason why a company driver would need one, though.

save all yer paperwork, its great emergency TP when out driving down the road..