The 10 Do’s and Don’ts for Recruiting and Retaining Drivers

The 10 Do’s and Don’ts for Recruiting and Retaining Drivers

When you’re searching for ways to find and keep truck drivers, it’s important to know the difference between gimmicks (iPads in every vehicle! A hefty sign-on bonus!) and the things that actually work. While massive, international fleets may be able to conduct expensive experiments, intelligence around retention and recruitment looks markedly different for the rest of the industry. And in the face of extraordinarily high rates of turnover, proven retention and recruitment intelligence is precisely what trucking companies of all sizes need right now.

To that end, we’ve compiled 10 tried-and-true methods to attract new drivers and keep them happy. They may not have come down from Mount Sinai, but these 10 do’s and don’ts (should we call them the 10 Commandments of Truck Driver Recruitment and Retention?) apply to fleets of all sizes, and have—thus far, at least—withstood the test of time:

DON’T:  Not Rush the Onboarding Process

The process of retaining drivers starts on day 1. Don’t overlook your initial opportunities to familiarize yourself with your drivers, and them with your company. First impressions matter, so carefully consider the message you convey and the tone you set.

DON’T: Engage In Unsafe Practices

Let your drivers know their safety is your top priority. Sure, it’s not like you were going to subject them to dangerous working conditions anyway (right?), but there’s no harm—and plenty to gain—from stating the obvious.

DON’T: Let Technology Go Outdated

Don’t inadvertently create an environment and culture of frustration for your drivers. Stay ahead of trends in vehicular, safety, and communication technology. The eventual expenses of hiring back your workforce will almost always outweigh the present costs of updating your fleet.

DO: Make Expectations Known Early and Often

Emphasize honesty, always. Let your drivers know you don’t think of them as disposable—engage them in your company’s culture and mission. Let them know they’re an integral part of what you’re building together.

DO: Prioritize Communication

It’s not unusual for truckers to spend weeks on the road, but in 2017, that’s no excuse not to keep in touch. Keep your fleet motivated with ongoing messages from company leadership. A personalized email or short video message delivered a CEO can go a long way.

DO: Know Your Truckers’ Personalities

Newbie or veteran—there’s more to every individual than their experience level. Get to know the people who work for you: What made them take the job? Where do they see themselves in a few years? What do they hope to accomplish by then?

DO: Respect Your Drivers’ Families

In terms of stress and uncertainty, not many professions can compare with trucking. It’s more than a job—it’s a lifestyle, and it takes a toll not only on your drivers, but their families. Don’t lose sight of how life on the road affects life at home. Giving a driver a break next week can help them stay with you next year.

DO: Create Opportunity

Beyond a personal connection with the company, employees are motivated by a sense of progression. Recognize that where someone is now isn’t necessarily where they want to be in a few years, or even a few months.

DO: Choose a Niche

…That is, unless you’re a global business. A niche helps your fleet grow intelligently and differentiate itself to candidates in terms of seasonality, regional focus, type of cargo, duration of trips, and so on.

DO: Invest in Compliance

Finally, keep your company’s and drivers’ attention focused on what matters—the business—rather than dealing with regulatory action, lawsuits, and reputational damage. Learn more about how a smart approach to compliance supports your recruitment and retention efforts.

Toby Graham

Toby manages the marketing communications team here at Compli. She's on a quest to help people tell clear, fun stories that their audience can relate to. She's a HUGE sugar junkie...and usually starts wandering the halls looking for cookies around 3pm daily.

→ Toby Graham

Related Posts




Phone: 866.356.1735
Support: 877.522.4276
Menu
Customer Login

Send this to friend