Truck drivers are the backbone of any successful trucking company or business. However, trucking is hard work, and we’ve seen driver shortages and retention issues plague the industry, highlighting a need for change. Taking care of your truckers is essential in maintaining a successful business. When it comes to driver satisfaction, the little things count. We're talking about the little things that matter most to your drivers and make the job fun too. There are a few key ways to keep drivers happy and on the road. To improve driver satisfaction, small changes can make big differences.
The trucking industry has struggled with driver retention and shortages, for a number of reasons. For the most part, a lack of communication or feeling that they are not being heard or understood, is a major source of frustration for drivers. On top of that, there is often lack of proper training or issues such as lack of vehicle maintenance, which the company is not taking care of, causing more stress for truckers. Drivers do not feel included or that they are on a team, rather they are often overworked and ignored.
Between hiring and on boarding costs, it is expensive to look for new drivers to fill positions a company needs. Quality truck drivers also may end up leaving for reasons which can easily be addressed, if trucking companies pay attention to their drivers needs. Finding reliable and loyal drivers can be a mutually rewarding partnership in the long run, but it is important to treat drivers well ad understand some key ways to improve driver satisfaction at any company. Here are a few key methods trucking companies of any size can use, to improve driver satisfaction and grow their business:
The first step to a productive relationship between employee and company is to ensure that drivers have access to safe, functioning vehicles. The most essential focus of the trucking company should be to maintain the vehicles, as these ensure safety of the driver and make for a more comfortable experience, which improves their work and your business output. Regular mechanical issues can amount to frustration and bigger safety challenges over time, so it is important to reduce risk of accident or delays for the driver. You want to make sure there is a budget and time allotted to maintaining and checking vehicles regularly.
Showing respect to drivers is important in ensuring good business practices. It is important to listen to any driver concerns and act on them, when applicable. The drivers are the ones out there, dealing firsthand with the challenges which come with trucking, so their input can be more valuable than any research a company can do.
In order to have productive and satisfied employees, they need to be heard and shown respect. Encouraging an open feedback policy is not enough, companies need to work on taking some of the input into account and making the actual changes suggested. Drivers are your best asset on and off the road, so it is important to treat them well.
Drivers are often subject to schedules or routes chosen for them, and this can create issue if these are organized poorly or things are running behind schedule. Some drivers may get good routes while others are stuck on the road or in traffic for extended periods of time. Using fleet management software and GPS technology can create efficient routes for drivers and benefit the company. Companies should also regularly check and update routes, to make sure that better options or stops are not being missed in the process.
You can also allow drivers more autonomy in choosing routes. Rather than tracking or monitoring drivers 24/7, as a sort of surveillance, it may be beneficial to provide incentive or reward for strategy and performance. An excellent track record, or drivers who choose the most efficient routes should be rewarded in some capacity, which will further motivate them to continue. Consider giving bonuses or rewards for the services provided, outside of the basic salary, as this will allow drivers to feel motivated and encouraged to go above and beyond.
While the industry is competitive, the best way to ensure happy employees and retain drivers is to make sure to take into account their lives outside of work as well. Providing paid vacation time or quality health benefits for drivers, can help improve their quality of life as well as their work. Companies who feel they can’t afford this can look into utilizing technology to automate some administrative tasks or repetitive daily tasks, as a way to save time and money, which can better be allocated to other areas. Turnovers in drivers can cost a company upwards of $15,000 per driver, which is much more expensive than treating your drivers well to begin with.
Trucking is a stressful job involving a lot of sitting, lack of sleep and a lot of stress, so it is essential to provide opportunity for drivers to take care of their health as well. Do not overwork your employees or force them to jeopardize their lives due to tight schedules, rather plan ahead and give them enough time and room to work.
It is important to allow drivers room to grow in your company. Providing training or certification programs for other positions within the industry, or your company, can allow drivers to transition when they are ready to retire from behind the wheel. Drivers are more likely to stay at a company or put in their best effort when they feel valued and fulfilled. Investing in a driver’s future, ensures that they stay invested in your company.
To improve driver satisfaction, small changes can make big difference. Remember: Drivers are the heart and soul of your business. They're a key part of your team, and without them, you might as well close for good. It's not just paying your truck driver, it's also paying attention to what they need. Fostering a positive environment for drivers is important for short and long-term retention.
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