We are, without a doubt experiencing volatile times, a period of economic unpredictability and uncertainty posing unforeseen challenges to the workforce as a whole. Finding excellent drivers is difficult when it comes to fleet operations. These days, keeping them in mind is more difficult. Companies in the trucking business need help to maintain their fleets due to a COVID-19 outbreak, a shortage of truck drivers, and an annual driver turnover of almost 100%.
So let's get started with the fundamentals of driver retention meaning. What does trucking driver retention actually mean? Truck driver retention, expressed simply, refers to keeping drivers content enough to work for a company for a long time. Drivers need a secure and rewarding workplace just like any other employee if you want them to stay with your business.
Many commercial drivers switch employment in search of better retention pay for truck drivers, benefits, or hours. Beyond consistently increasing pay, how can carriers keep the best drivers? Engagement of employees is the solution. Drivers who are invested in their jobs are better, safer, and more likely to stick around.
Cost is one of the main reasons trucking businesses value employee retention so highly. It costs money to find, hire, and train new drivers. There are expenses related to posting job positions, selecting and speaking with candidates, and giving the required training. The funds that would be needed for these expenses can be diverted when a company is able to keep its staff.
Long-term employees at a company are also frequently more effective and productive drivers. The amount of time needed for training and bringing all of your staff up to speed is decreased by familiarity with corporate policies, processes, and equipment.
Driver retention programs that are well-thought-out and rewarding are the greatest approach to keeping drivers interested. These initiatives ought to be created with the express purpose of motivating and rewarding staff while, most crucially, keeping their word. The last thing you want to do is to 'bait and switch' drivers by making grand promises only to fall short of expectations, whether consciously or unconsciously.
A fleet that is content, motivated, and productive will belong to those who can put in place steadfast driver retention initiatives. In light of this, here are five suggestions for keeping your drivers active in your fleet.
Demand in the transportation and trucking sector is rising right now. For shipping and logistics companies, it has been challenging to meet this demand due to problems with the global supply chain and rising retail sales. Because of the shortage of dependable and experienced drivers, retention is more crucial than ever.
Let's see the essential tips and strategies, in experts' opinion, for improving retention rates.
1. Reduces tension while traveling
Because manually plotting the routes for the drivers is not only time-consuming and stressful but also ineffective. The driver may concentrate entirely on the road without having to worry about anything else because the route optimization software makes the most use of their time.
2. Drivers don't need to worry about taking the best path
Drivers regularly receive instructions for any unique delivery-related tasks from the transportation office using route optimization software. Drivers profit and worry less because the software is well-equipped with dynamic path optimization, traffic conditions, etc.
3. There is no chance that drivers may miss appointments
Drivers no longer have to worry about an appointment thanks to the software's improved route planning. Since the route optimization software takes into account a number of elements, such as drop-off times, traffic, weather, and pre-planned deliveries, it is far more probable that drivers will finish their shifts on schedule.
4. Addresses the issue of a driver scarcity
Electronic route planning makes it easier for drivers to work by providing them with a well-planned route that considers places, arrival times, and more.
5. Create a real team
Redesign your onboarding process better to align new drivers with company standards and guiding principles. Ask drivers about their career aspirations or take the opportunity to cultivate new relationships. Consider incorporating new drivers into existing teams, and pair each new driver with an experienced peer. Drivers can share experiences by forming groups with others in similar jobs (cargo categories, geographic location, etc.). Blend individual and team measurements when establishing performance goals to encourage healthy competition.
6. Show appreciation and be transparent
To ensure that your drivers are aware of how essential they are to the transportation industry, it is crucial to express your gratitude to them. It's simple to demonstrate your concern for your drivers by praising them, whether at weekly team meetings, on a scoreboard, or in front of your management team. This will increase driver retention.
Create driver incentive programs to enhance fleet safety and compliance, and award drivers with excellent scores in these areas with bonuses or other forms of recognition. Be open and honest with top performers to inspire others to act and up their game.
To build a more dependable and team-oriented culture and provide drivers a reason to stick with you over the long term, encourage them to collaborate.
On the other hand, you can also express your gratitude to drivers by taking the time to design a coaching program that is unique to them. Instead of using a general approach to behavior modification, this targeted strategy can assist drivers in polishing their trade through individualized coaching for areas of growth.
Our experts with 10 years of experience in logistics recommend: “Before making any decision, you must ascertain the priorities of your drivers by asking for their input. Money isn't always the solution, either. If you spend some time considering your driver's suggestions for route planning and optimization, not only will it pave the way for developing a bonus system that your drivers will genuinely love, but your driver will also feel appreciated and grateful to you for treating him as a human and not just a statistic”.
We took this video from Tenney Group YouTube Channel.
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