For individuals and companies running trucking and transportation businesses, the challenge of finding and retaining enough drivers is an ever-present concern. With a great many señior drivers now in retirement, businesses ought to focus their efforts on means for both recruitment and retention of up and coming truckers. Here we have put together a number of top tips for securing a reliable and steady supply of motor vehicle professionals in this competitive marketplace, including partnering with a reputable truck driver recruiting agency. By leveraging the expertise and network of a trusted agency specialized in driver recruitment, you can ensure a seamless and organic flow of qualified professionals to meet your business needs.
RECRUITING TRUCK DRIVERS
Staffing a transportation business starts with finding quality drivers. In the wake of the pandemic, recruiting top talent can be extremely challenging. Many driver training programs were suspended, intensifying the scarcity of qualified drivers.
We can help make your recruitment process more successful. To maximize your success rate, consider the following suggestions.
SHOWCASE YOUR COMPANY BENEFITS
As new drivers enter the scene, they will have a world of possibilities opened up to them in light of the current driver shortage. To ensure that your business stands out from the rest, make sure to highlight your unique benefits and advantages as part of the job opening description. Doing so will help potential applicants choose you over the competition.
USE DIGITAL TOOLS TO FIND LEADS
Utilizing the internet for recruitment should be an integral component of your hiring strategy. Exploring new avenues for potential candidates, such as LinkedIn and Indeed, is an efficient way to reach out to people in different regions across the country. Taking the extra step and sending a personalized message with a link to your job posting could potentially lead to a greater number of applications than you may have received otherwise.
COMMUNICATE FREQUENTLY WITH POTENTIAL HIRES
It’s easy to let potential, promising leads slip from the recruitment process due to a lack of communication. Take a moment to think about how the applicant feels when their application passes unnoticed–nobody likes to be stuck in uncertainty about the status of their application.
In order to ensure a better chance at successfully recruiting, send regular updates to those you have in the recruitment process. Creating a sense of the timeline helps applicants understand when they may be getting a response, how many rounds of interviews they may need to pass, and when they can expect the final decision. Communication truly plays a great deal in keeping potential recruits engaged and interested.
CREATE A COMPANY CULTURE THAT STANDS OUT
When you are looking for new and qualified drivers to recruit, you should remember that there are plenty of opportunities available to them. But, to really make your company stand out and draw top applicants, there should be an effort to focus on the unique and attractive company culture you offer. Get creative with how you actively support your drivers – think of opportunities such as additional training programs, mentorships, or support for furthering their education. When you create a company culture all about making your drivers feel valued and appreciated, you will see a much broader pool of applicants to choose from. Furthermore, this kind of news will spread among potential candidates quickly, increasing your chances of hiring top talent.
KEEPING TRUCK DRIVERS ALIVE
As you search for potential new candidates to join your team, don’t forget to consider the various incentives that can be added to attract experienced drivers. Of course, paying competitive wages and offering beneficial packages are essential when hiring, but what can you do to make your company truly stand out?
The development of a culture that is unique and desirable will be key in making the right impression. Consider how your company can provide ongoing training schemes, mentorship initiatives and even educational support to show your drivers you are committed to their success. By creating an atmosphere that focuses on the contentment of your team, you’ll have a larger pool of potential employees to choose from. Plus, this positive news spreads quickly and offers an even better chance at recruitment.
PROVIDE COMPETITIVE PAY
As a driver employer, I’m aware that I need to stay competitive in the current market in order to keep my best drivers from being lured away by other companies. Being aware of current pay standards is key to making sure my drivers are making a fair wage and feeling valued. We always make sure to stay on top of the latest salary trends to ensure our drivers are earning a competitive wage.
Additionally, I believe in offering bonuses, incentives and rewards that can be earned by going the extra mile. Rewarding our top talent will motivate them to continue to excel and show value in the workplace. This way, my drivers will be less tempted by other opportunities and stay with our company, rather than poach elsewhere.
OFFER IMPROVED SCHEDULES
For those that are truckers, burnout usually occurs when they’re driving for extended durations and often leaving the family for the weekend. Maintaining your most qualified drivers can be achieved by granting them the chance to have better timetables, depending on their experience in the job. This way, your employees can stay content and in good health.
INVEST IN ONGOING TRAINING
No one enjoys being stuck in a career that’s not moving forward. So, provide your talent with qualitative training opportunities to help them develop professionally. Doing so will make them feel more engaged and eager to stay in their role with your company. By offering them continuous learning and skill-building options, in addition to carefully designed career paths that offer rewards for those who do their best, you empower them to reach their full potential and fulfill their aspirations.
CARE FOR YOUR DRIVERS’ MENTAL HEALTH
Long hours spent on the open road can have an incredibly detrimental impact on the mental health of professional drivers. It is so important that as an organization we are committed to looking after our driver’s wellbeing and providing them with the resources they need to remain healthy while they are away from home. We need to ensure that our drivers get plenty of vacation time throughout the year and access to adequate support so that they can remain mentally healthy during their time with us.
SELECT A CULTURE THAT YOUR COMPANY DESIRES
The majority of employees are looking for a respectable company that they can be proud to work for, despite the fact that attractive pay and generous benefits are essential for keeping great, talented drivers on the job.It’s essential to create a company culture that employees love and are passionate about.
A big part of creating an awesome culture is open, clear and consistent communication. Drivers should have various avenues to voice their complaints and also to suggest improvements.
Safety and security should be a top priority and the foundation of your culture. When you prioritize and make safety the most important part of your company culture, it demonstrates that you truly value your drivers and that they are an integral part of your team.
GUARANTEE VEHICLE UPKEEP
Nobody needs to drive a truck that is continually stalling, and inadequately kept up with hardware can be hazardous for the administrator. Consider using onboard telematics and investing in routine vehicle maintenance to enhance driver comfort and safety.
Drivers are more likely to value their role with your company if they see that you are willing to invest in the trucks they drive every day.
