In the trucking industry, it's often tough to hang onto good truck drivers. They tend to switch jobs more than we'd like. But why does this happen, and how can companies make it better? We've got some answers to this problem. This article is all about helping you understand and solve the problem of keeping great truck drivers. We've gathered eight pieces of advice from our experience, different case studies, and experts who've been in the trucking business for a long time. To simplify it, we’ve compiled the advice in the most straightforward way to understand for anyone! In an industry where having reliable truck drivers is crucial for smooth operations, finding ways to keep them happy is a must. But first, let’s understand the basics.
What does driver retention mean?
Let's begin with the basics. What does "driver retention in trucking" mean? It's quite simple. Driver retention is making drivers happy so that they want to work for a company for a long time. Just like your other workers, drivers also need a safe and satisfying workplace to stay with your company.
Many truck drivers change jobs because they find better pay, benefits, or working hours somewhere else. But, besides just increasing wages, how can trucking companies keep their best drivers? We’ll find that out in just a bit, but first, let’s discuss why driver retention is so important.
Why is driver retention important?
Driver retention is essential because it helps your business save money. When you keep your drivers, you don't need to spend as much time and money hiring and onboarding new ones. Plus, when you're short on drivers, you lose money.
Also, when you have lots of driver turnover, it makes your operations less efficient. This means things don't run as smoothly because you're always dealing with disruptions like drivers leaving or having to find and onboard new ones.
But the most crucial thing is that when drivers keep leaving. Losing experienced drivers means losing their valuable knowledge and experience, affecting the company's credibility. Experienced drivers often recommend other truck drivers, reducing hiring costs and contributing to a positive turnover. They also bring valuable insights like the best routes, traffic, and safety tricks.
Essential tips to improve truck driver retention rate
Driver retention is a critical challenge in the trucking industry. As discussed above, high turnover rates can disrupt operations, increase costs, and impact the quality of service. In this section, we'll explore 8 essential strategies to enhance driver retention. These tips are designed to help trucking companies create a supportive, engaging, and stable work environment for their drivers. By prioritizing driver satisfaction and well-being, businesses can reduce turnover and build stronger, more reliable fleets.
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Prioritize safety
Making safety a priority for not only yourself as a trucking company but also for your drivers is extremely important when it comes to driver retention. To do this, highlight how important your driver's actions are. Make rules that make sure safety is the number one thing. Concentrate on following the rules and teaching your drivers instead of just paying fines when things go wrong. When you connect your drivers' behavior with your brand's reputation, you're telling your drivers they're more than just someone driving a truck. Have regular safety meetings with your driving team and get help from experts in traffic and truck driving for training.
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Competitive salaries
It's a smart move to compare how much you pay with what your competition is offering. Are other companies paying their drivers more? Do they give better health or dental benefits? What home-time? If you don't know what you're up against, especially when there's a shortage of drivers, it's tough to create pay plans that make drivers stay. And if your starting pay is much lower than the company next door, it's going to be really hard to keep up with driver retention.
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Listening to your drivers
Your employees are really important for your company. When you ask them for their thoughts, you give them a chance to speak up. This shows that you care about what they think, and it can make them feel more important and loyal to your company in the long run. But remember, just asking isn't enough. You have to do something about what they say, or at least let them know you heard them. Not listening to them can make truck drivers feel bad, and they might not stay with your company (or even spread negative word of mouth). You can use quick check-ins to talk to your drivers. These are like short and regular chats. More drivers get involved when you do it this way compared to the usual longer surveys about how happy they are at work. And the best way to do this is on their phones. They can quickly answer a question at a rest stop or before starting their journey. Using mobile phones can be a valuable source of communication with truckers as they are mostly on the road and don’t work like regular office employees from 9-5.
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Looking out for drivers
Some trucking companies have started hiring people for a special role called "driver care manager." This manager's skill set includes being friendly, attentive listeners who actively engage with drivers to address concerns, whether related to work or personal life. By having a dedicated Driver Care Manager, trucking companies create an environment where drivers feel valued and supported. This leads to increased driver satisfaction, improved retention rates, a better work atmosphere, and long-term gains for the company. The introduction of this role signifies a commitment to safeguarding the well-being of the company's most essential asset: its drivers.
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Offer training and learning
Investing in the professional development of truck drivers is a strategic move that benefits both the drivers and the company. Beyond basic job skills, offering specialized training programs such as emergency medical training enhances their capabilities and preparedness for various situations on the road. This not only fosters a safer work environment but also positions your drivers as highly skilled professionals. Moreover, providing continuous learning opportunities demonstrates a commitment to their growth and well-being. As drivers acquire new skills, they become more valuable assets, contributing to increased operational efficiency and the overall success of the company.
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Referral programs
You can get help from your current drivers to find new ones. Your current drivers can tell other people about the company and get them interested in working here. If someone your driver talks to gets hired, you can even give a bonus or a reward to your driver for bringing in a new hire.
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Use updated technology
Make sure your drivers don't have to use old-fashioned methods or technology. Invest in technology to make their work safer, easier, and more productive. For example, use fleet tracking systems for better truck routes, saving time and money. Technology can also help drivers feel like they have support. It builds trust between drivers and their company. When drivers feel their company is looking out for them, they're more likely to stay.
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Flexible scheduling
Truck drivers have different ideas about when they want to work. Some like to work a lot of hours and then have a lot of time off. Others prefer shorter shifts with many breaks. Letting drivers choose when they work can help you make them happy.
The bottom line
In the changing trucking world, we see how vital it is to keep drivers. This not only makes roads safer but also helps businesses save money, follow the rules better, work more efficiently, and grow in a stable way. Retaining drivers, especially when safety is the main focus, is not just an HR tactic; it's a smart business move. It's like an investment that brings rewards in the form of safer roads, healthier finances, and a strong trucking industry.