Road to Independence: What to Expect During the Onboarding Process

Welcome to the Road to Independence Lease-to-Own Program! We’re excited to help you on your path to becoming an owner-operator. Below is a breakdown of what to expect as you go through the onboarding process and prepare to hit the road.

1. Completing Your Applications

Once you submit your application to CloudTrucks, we will review it within 24-72 hours. Here’s what you need to do:

• Submit Your Application: Fill out the CloudTrucks application and complete your driver information in the app.
• Consent to MVR and PSP Reports: After entering your driver information, a HireRight window will pop up for your consent to the Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) and Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) reports.
• Apply to Trucking Partners: You will also receive an application for our trucking partners. Complete this promptly to keep the process moving smoothly, otherwise there may be delays. Be on the lookout for updates on your eligibility via email or phone.

2. Signing Agreements

Once you receive conditional approval from CloudTrucks, you’ll need to sign the necessary documents:

• Virtual Carrier Lease Agreement & Truck Sourcing Program Terms: After conditional approval, sign and return these agreements electronically as soon as possible. Please note that you will also need to sign a separate truck lease agreement with your truck partner directly. This will allow us to notify our partners that your truck is secured and ready to run.
• Dispatch Service: The Road to Independence program includes a dispatch service with a 3% fee. This means you’ll keep 79% of each load, while CloudTrucks covers essential services like instant payments, insurance filings, and more with a low 21% rate. Participation in dispatch services is required to keep you moving efficiently and help you get the most out of each job.

3. Mandatory Drug Test & Background Verification

Before you can start driving with CloudTrucks, you must complete a drug test and background verification. To ensure a smooth onboarding process:

• Complete These Tests Promptly: Once extended a conditional offer, we recommend completing the drug test and background checks right away.
• Stay in Communication: Regularly check your emails for any requests from our safety, employment verification, and onboarding teams. Respond quickly to avoid delays.

4. Online Orientation

Orientation is a required step to get on the road. Here’s what to expect:

• Sign Up for Online Orientation: After signing your lease agreement, you’ll receive a link to sign up for an online orientation call. It’s important to attend this session before picking up your truck.
• Onboarding Portal Access: You’ll only be able to complete your onboarding tasks in the CloudTrucks portal after attending orientation.

5. Completing Your Onboarding Tasks

To finalize your onboarding and pick up your truck, you’ll need to:

• Upload Insurance Documents: Ensure you have physical damage and non-trucking liability insurance before picking up your truck. These documents must be uploaded to the CloudTrucks portal.
• Request Truck Plates: If you’re getting plates through CloudTrucks, complete the plate request form here before picking up your truck.  Once CT receives your title and lease agreement from your lease partner, you can expect to receive your digital cab card and IFTA within 2-4 business days.  You’ll need these digital documents before you can start booking loads. 

6. Picking Up Your Truck

Once you’ve completed the steps above, you can coordinate your truck pickup:

• Complete Onboarding: You must ensure that all onboarding tasks are complete. The only exception is your DOT inspection, which you will receive a copy of when picking up your truck.
• Schedule Wisely: Try to schedule your truck pickup before 12 PM CST to allow time for any necessary tasks and to avoid delays.
• Onboarding Package: We can arrange for your welcome package to be shipped to the dealership. Let your onboarding rep know ahead of time if you prefer this option.
• Get Ready to Hit the Road: Once you have your welcome package and truck, notify your onboarding rep so we can activate your account and get you on the road as soon as possible.

Disqualification Information

Please note, satisfactory results from both the drug test and background verification are mandatory. If pending criminal charges are found or if your Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse results indicate "Driver Prohibited," your conditional offer will be revoked.

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Helpful Tips

• Avoid Travel Until Onboarding Is Complete: To prevent additional costs or delays at truck stops, avoid making travel arrangements until all onboarding tasks are finished.
• Get Familiar with the CloudTrucks App: Download the app and familiarize yourself with where to upload documents. Uploading them yourself will help avoid delays.
• Set Aside Funds: There may be some expenses along the way. CloudTrucks offers up to $1,500 down payment assistance for those who qualify. However, this does not cover travel costs, hotel stays, fuel, or other expenses related to purchasing your truck.   Make sure to budget so you’re ready to hit the road without any unexpected delays.
• Time Your Truck Pick-up: Avoid picking up your truck on a Friday or after 12 PM CST to ensure staff availability and avoid unnecessary delays.

Fees and Deductions

As part of the program, the following fees and deductions will apply:

• Lease-On Fee: 18% of each load.
• Dispatch Service: 3% of each load.
• Trailer Fee: $200 per week for Dry Van (maintenance and insurance covered by CloudTrucks).
• Plates and Registration: If you choose to register your truck through CloudTrucks, there is a $50 weekly fee for 52 weeks. 
• ELD: $30 per month.
• Escrow Account: A minimum contribution of $100 per week for 20 weeks.
• Maintenance Reserve: You are required to contribute to a maintenance reserve, which can be used for truck maintenance. The contribution amount can be confirmed with your onboarding specialist and will vary by truck partner. 

We’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your representative.