The driver shortage is a problem across most fleet-related industries today. It can be challenging to hire competent, experienced drivers. You can invest in the latest vehicles and tracking technology, but this doesn’t mean much unless you can onboard and train competent drivers. Recruiting efforts for truck drivers are very competitive. Here are some strategies you can use to ensure you hire and retain the best drivers.
Put your company culture front and center
While sourcing drivers with experience, clean driving records, and the ability to pass medical and skill tests are a given, you also need to focus on who is a good fit for your company. If the salary and other tangible benefits you offer are equal, your company culture can be the deciding factor.
Many drivers believe they don’t get enough support when it comes to facing challenging situations on the road, such as dealing with law enforcement or handling accidents. Accident lawyers from USAttorneys.com have experience in dealing with truck accident claims.
Seek employee referrals
A positive work culture means your current employees are more likely to refer qualified drivers to your company. If you actively engage with your current drivers, it is one of the best ways to recruit quality candidates. Creating a formal referral process with an incentive for a successful hire can work really well.
Cast a wider net to attract young drivers
Many drivers in the current workforce are nearing retirement age, so it’s important to attract young drivers. To attract younger candidates, like millennials, you need to invest time and effort into streamlining and adjusting your hiring strategies. Social media can be a strong marketing tool and exponentially increase the reach of an advert. Posting on job boards can also help you to reach a wide audience of potential candidates.
Actively promote the benefits you offer
Drivers appreciate hearing about the specific perks you offer, such as training, bonuses, and appealing routes or work hours. Long hours on the road can be tough for even experienced drivers. They may end up having an accident due to their tiredness and another driver’s drunk driving. DUI accident lawyers from USAttorneys have plenty of experience in helping the victims of such accidents to receive compensation. The bottom line is that drivers want to work for companies that take care of them.
Share your company vision and the role of drivers in it, as millennials want to work for companies that add positive value to the community. For example, if drivers are responsible for delivering supplies to a hospital, stress the importance of the role.
Check how well drivers understand your industry
While candidates may have experience as a driver, it is also important to note the type of driving job and the industry in which they have gained their experience. Some candidates may want to switch from long hauls to local routes so they can be home every night.
What they may not realize is that urban deliveries mean more physical interactions with clients and negotiating city traffic. It is different driving in city traffic than on open roads, and accidents can happen. Car accident lawyers from USAttorneys are available to help with accident claims.
Use the latest technology to make drivers’ lives simpler and safer
Driving entails more than just getting from point A to point B. Safety considerations and vehicle maintenance are important. There are also many external regulations and internal reporting requirements to satisfy.
Using outdated technology can make the job very frustrating for drivers. Driver-friendly Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) increase the likelihood of compliance. Having telematics on board is proven to offer safety and efficiency benefits.