The current landscape of truck drivers is a complicated one. Drivers are in high demand but it is difficult to find and retain suitable individuals for the job. It would be wise to pay attention to what drivers are saying; their needs, desires, and experiences can be invaluable to trucking companies. Recent surveys and statistics have outlined the most important elements that drivers value in their employers and it’s time to start listening. Understanding these criteria is essential for any trucking business looking to attract and retain top talent. You can find more information on these important factors here, where you’ll gain valuable insights on how to create a driver-centric workplace culture that fosters loyalty, satisfaction, and retention.
Fair Pay
The latest driver survey conducted by the Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) paints an alarming picture – poor wages and an inability to attract new truckers are becoming a difficult reality for many companies.
It appears that what companies promise before hiring and what truckers actually receive do not always match. Drivers tally up the miles driven in comparison to their pay and find that compensation doesn’t equate to what was expected. Reimbursements for fuel and other expenses are often delayed or never come at all, leaving driver’s feeling cheated and alienated.
It’s critical then, that companies are honest and transparent when discussing pay structures with their drivers and should strive to meet the standards set by what truckers deem to be fair wage. Companies should be aware of the importance of taking these steps or else they risk having considerable trouble when it comes to securing new personnel.
Reasonable Benefits and PTO
Trucking is a demanding job, with long hours and often lonely journeys. But truck drivers, just like all of us, need to find a healthy work/life balance, and schedule time to spend with their families. Furthermore, drivers need to have access to retirement plans, as well as health insurance in order to support their families. Such benefits are essential for the stability of their career and for planning ahead for retirement. It’s certainly true that working in the trucking industry requires a lot of sacrifice, but it shouldn’t be at the cost of having a poor quality of life.
Great Preparation and Onboarding
When starting a new CDL job, even seasoned drivers seek training. The driver will feel more at ease in their new position if they receive the appropriate orientation and training. The business will likewise make a feeling of collaboration and dependability by supporting drivers (and different representatives) from the very first moment.
Employees who “Get It”
Truckers frequently complain that they feel disconnected from office staff who don’t take the time to understand what being a driver actually entails. These drivers often say they experience disrespect or even outright rudeness from certain individuals in the office. Companies should make an effort to bridge the gap between office staff and truckers by providing ride-alongs and additional opportunities for the two to connect and learn from one another.
Understanding the preferences and opinions of drivers
Evidence from Drive My Way recently revealed that a whopping 4,000 drivers are taking into account the kind of haul when evaluating their contentment in a job. Companies should take into account the thoughts and knowledge of truckers on different kinds of haul types, load types, and range.
Every truck driving job is different, and employees tend to blossom when they feel secure in their workplace. Employers should operate with drivers concerning their preferences, their area of expertise, and their views on changes in the industry.
For instance, changes in equipment are normal in trucking. But many drivers cannot cope with the amplified regulation. Managers can alleviate the situation by informing drivers of the underlying rationale behind several decisions and permitting them to give their feedback. Even if some equipment alterations still occur, drivers will feel honored to have an input.
Respect
As per Workhound’s research, it has emerged that drivers are often vocal about their feelings of being treated unfairly. To make sure that your drivers feel valued and understood, it’s essential to focus on upholding a strong sense of respect from the onboarding process from day one. After all, truck drivers put in an immense amount of effort and are worthy of our appreciation. It’s no doubt a challenging role, so it’s important not to forget the human aspect of it as well.
Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we understand what drivers need in order to be content at a company. Have you made sure that your recruitment strategy aligns with the offerings of your company?
