Increased demand for freight services has created a commercial driver shortage. Many motor carriers are operating at capacity and struggle to recruit new drivers. Truck driver recruiting efforts are ramping up as firms compete for limited resources. Attracting young prospects is a particular challenge. The average age of a commercial driver is 55 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Long hours, time away from home, and lower wages than competing industries has led younger career seekers to choose different fields. Below are tips to help attract and retain drivers of all ages.
- Offer flexible scheduling: Many motor carriers assign new drivers to long or isolated routes. Though seniority is important, this practice can make open positions less appealing and hamper truck driver recruiting.
- Reduce the average length of haul: Time away from home is a key concern among drivers. Consider adjusting procedures, routes, or adopting technology to help. Supporting your drivers’ health and home lives bolsters retention.
- Offer appealing wage considerations. Some carriers stagger bonuses to incentivize retention. For example, a $10,000 bonus can be split into payments after a driver achieves certain goals, such as length of employment or miles driven.
- Consider alternative pay structures: Depending upon location or length of route, per mile verses per hour pay is a possibility. New technology makes per hour easier to implement these days and may be beneficial.
- Workplace benefits: Many carriers offer competitive benefits packages, including 401(k) with investment matching, comprehensive medical coverage, and increased time off.
- Equipment matters: Updating equipment can have unexpected benefits. Some prospective drivers turn away from the transportation industry due to a perceived lack of respect. Spending long hours in traffic or along the highway in outdated equipment leads to down time where neither party is profiting.
Projections show the shortage of commercial drivers will continue. Thoughtful truck driver recruiting efforts provide a competitive advantage. Carefully review your operations to ensure you are attracting and retaining a talented workforce. Contact Bankers Insurance today for more resources on driver training, driver retention, legal requirements, and transportation news.
Further Resources
- Attracting and Retaining Commercial Drivers
- Driver Hiring Program
- Driver Program Guidelines
- Driver Qualification File Checklist
- Driver Application
Mark Sidwell
Commercial Trucking Sales Executive
Bankers Insurance LLC
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