There are hundreds of travel companies out there, but the big question becomes, "Which is the best for me?"  After reading this article, take the time and make a list of which of these are the top five things that you are looking for in a company and let that be your guide down the path to a successful travel company search.

1.  Does the company provided adequate health insurance?   There are so many types of insurance out there.  There are co payments that range from $10 to $50.  Make sure that you know exactly what kind of insurance that you are getting and that it is worth the money.

2.  Does the company provided health insurance within the first 30 days of employment?  Some companies still have insurance that begins after 90 days of employment.  This saves the company a lot of money because it doesn't become effective until the end of your contract, and if you aren't going to renew your contract or do another contract with that company, you will not be covered during your assignment.

3.  What kind of housing package do they offer?  Some companies give you only a one bedroom with electricity while others will help you out with cable, phone, and internet.  Some companies will provide a "soft package" of linens, cookware, dishes, and other usual living items.   Make sure that you know exactly what you are getting and exactly what you need!

4.  Does the company pay for all pre-employment screening?   The should be a given, but you'd be amazed at the ones I find that do not pay for drug screens and physicals.  If it's required for you to have, the company should be paying for it.

5.  Does the company provided 401K with some company match?  If the company does not provide 401K with company match, then you might as well get your own IRA and have full control of your financial future and you make the decision on what funds you want to invest in.  If there is a company match, then it is usually worth it to make a decision from what the company offers since they will add in some funds.

6.  Does the company offer pay rates over $30?  Unless you have a lot of extra perks or you're in the southern resort area, there is no reason why you shouldn't make $30 an hour. 

7.  Does the company offers weekly pay checks that can be directly deposited?  I know of a few companies out there that are still sending pay checks by FedEx or courier.  Unless you have a nationwide bank, this can be a big pain.

8.  Does the company offer the choice to participate in a traveler's advantage program?  Although some travelers would rather not take it, it's a great way to put some money into your pocket.  Either way, it should be you and your tax advisors decision whether or not to take the tax advantage.

9.  Does the company have a plan if there is a missed paycheck?  Payroll is human and mistakes are made.  The big question is how do they make up for those mistakes?  Another nice thing is do they call you if they do not get your time card or is your paycheck just delayed a week?  This is not a have to for a travel company, but it is the mark of a great company concerned about traveler service.

10.  Missed days were either made up or up to three days were excused.  Does the company charge for "assignment expenses" for days missed?  With my first company, I missed a day and not only lost a day's wages, but then I was charged by the company for the money that they were out because of the missed day.  It was like missing a day and a half of work.  Make sure that you can make up the days before the end of the contract, or that days are excused.

Great companies are not hard to find, you just have to do some shopping around.  Search the internet for company comparisons and of course, check out the Ultimate List that is provided to you on the Highway Hypodermics website. 

After you have found the great company come back to www.highwayhypodermics.com and share your evaluation of the travel