Every single day we see, drivers quit one company and join the other for better opportunities. Question is what those different perks are those drivers expect that they will get from the new company.
Companies always advertise about what they pay, what equipment’s they have, different bonuses they offer and in this most of the things are related to money only, however, I don’t see many employers publishing in their driver hiring package – what are their organizational values, culture, and vision.
Yes, we do understand because of the driver shortage, we must fill those empty driver seats in the trucks and put them on the road, however, we also have a responsibility to project that driver become a professional driver and learn all those traits which are required in the industry to be a safe driver.
Is it fair to say, that the industry able to do everything successfully for the drivers to stay in the industry?
These stats by the American Trucking Association does show how we keep going in the upward direction for the driver shortage. This means, we somehow are either not able to encourage youth to be part of the industry and to retain the current workforce in the industry.
I believe the industry and the associations are working in the direction of the Driver Shortage and thinking of new ways to introduce new drivers in the industry, however, we also must work for retaining the current workforce.
Driver are facing common challenges like
· Traffic congestion.
· Uncooperative customers.
· Uncaring carrier officials and customers.
· Long workdays.
· Time away from home.
· Poor working conditions (exposed to weather, poor diet, lack of exercise, etc.)
· Unpaid waiting time
· Mechanical problems
· Complying with regulations and policies while trying to meet schedules
· The expense of living on the road
Would it be true to say, apart from these challenges, Carriers are also adding more factors for high turnover of the drivers – as some carriers do not care much about their drivers and their schedule but they do care for their loads and customers. For some people, perception is the reality and in trucking, a referral does play a vital role for the new drivers.
Stephen R. Covey said in his quote “Always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your customers”
There are many carriers who are trying to put effort into retaining their drivers for as long as they can, however, there are more of it they can offer to their drivers.
· Effective Leadership - Offering them with effective leadership, and because leadership is a two-way street, drivers have to be willing to be led by the leadership.
· Setting up distinguished culture – Drivers must be given with a foundation of a safe and respectful culture. Developing a driver and an employee-friendly environment.
· Regular Face time with Drivers – As in sales, there is a quote “Make a Customer, not a sale” and in the same way, once any carrier hires a new driver, there should be a plan of meeting those drivers in-person regular, for them to share their experience.
· Employ “Driver Managers” not Dispatcher – The retention ideas must involve overall operational and personnel management refers to “Driver Management”. Drivers are usually being instructed by dispatchers to refer to different departments when having any concerns.
· Involving Drivers in the Companies decision making – Its always important to make the driver feel about how important they are for any carrier and involving them in the policy review committee or any safety review committee. Any driver will likely stick with those carriers who believe they are the stakeholders and contributes to the development of the company.
Company management should know their drivers. Companies can use the maximum liberty of speaking about themselves at the time of orientation, safety meetings, talking to drivers in the yard or those who are visiting the office. Drivers would like to work for those people who they know and believe those people know them. Published by:-
Sud Malhotra Fleet Manager - Powerbev, Coldhaus Direct, PURBrands, Critical Freight Solutions. Board Member - WTFC & PMTC Young Leaders GroupPublished •