RESOLVE TO RETAIN A
s we begin the New Year, we are surrounded by good intentions and goal setting for improvement. Without doubt in the trucking
environment, each of those plans will contain ideas and strategies for driver retention. The effort to recruit professional drivers is expensive, and the major factor in any growth plan for the future. Each year we hear lots of rhetoric about providing better driver amenities. The truth is we see little improvement. The fact is that driving a truck today is arguably the toughest job in the country. Being away from home, handling the traffic, the stress of safe operation, and the company and customer expectations are extreme. Yet among the complement of drivers, I am fortunate to say that I have not known a single one that joined a company with the intention to quit. Nor I have I known one that said, “I can’t wait to go out and do a bad job.” Let’s be honest and admit that the problem is us. Like Pogo said, “We have met the enemy, and it is us.” The reason isn’t the job; the reason is the treatment. For the most part, we apply different standards to our drivers than we do to ourselves. Why? Our drivers have the same goals we do: to be successful, to provide for their families, to be respected, and to be a part of something. We should value the drivers’ opinions; they are the ones doing the work. They want a voice. They have good ideas. The problem is what we provide our driver force. Retention comes from support and communication, which leads to satisfaction.
Here are some important elements we should provide to our drivers:
DRIVERS NEED Your Support
Talk to them about the importance of their job, the importance of communication, customer relations and commitment. Encourage them to ask questions if they are unsure of information they receive. Instruct them to get extra help in areas where they may have confusion, then follow up to see that they get that help. It takes two! You and the driver.
DRIVERS NEED Your Encouragement
Everyone should want drivers to do their very best and achieve a level of satisfaction and productivity that reflects their ability. This is why drivers should be recognized for their improvement, or a job well done, and
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DRIVERS NEED
YOUR SUPPORT
YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT YOUR MONITORING
TO KNOW YOUR EXPECTATIONS
YOUR FEEDBACK & FOLLOW UP
CONSISTENCY
CARRIERS
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