Recently, I was in a meeting with safety directors of fleets that are members of the National Private Truck Council. As we went around the room discussing the number one issue facing their companies today, it was unanimous that the driver shortage was their main concern.
The pressure on the trucking industry to help satisfy America's growing consumption increases every year. Between now and the end of 2027, the amount of freight moved by trucks is expected to jump by 27 percent. Meeting that demand will not be an easy task for the nation's trucking companies, especially since America's supply of drivers continues to dwindle. The ATA estimates that the industry will need more than 96,000 new drivers annually for the next 10 years to keep pace with consumer spending. Very few industries—especially those at the heart of the economy—face such a daunting challenge. A large percentage (45%) of these new drivers will be required merely to meet the shortfall created by current drivers retiring, while 33% will be required just to keep up with increased demand. With the supply of qualified drivers currently considerably low, driver salaries are expected to continue rising as an incentive to retain existing drivers, with many transportation companies looking into innovative measures to entice experienced drivers to stay and new drivers to join the industry.
What are you doing to retain the good drivers you have today?
The following are some tips to consider for retaining the good drivers you have:
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Review your company policies and procedures for honesty with your drivers. Make sure the policies are forthright and achievable. The number one reason a driver leaves the employment of a motor carrier is because they feel the company has been dishonest with them.
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Drivers need to be recognized as an asset to the company and as a valued part of the organization in all aspects of its operations and performance.
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Involve drivers in your company's operations on a regular basis, such as equipment selection, accident review committees, policy and procedure discussions, and customer service relationships. Develop a relationship with your drivers. Know who they are and show genuine concern for their welfare and longevity with the company. This relationship should be consistent from top management and ownership down.
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Review your pay and benefits programs to make sure they are competitive within the industry.
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Keep your vehicles maintained with a systematic maintenance and inspection program that ensures a safe operating unit for your drivers.
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Provide ongoing training. It has been proven that drivers who receive training and have opportunities for advancement are less likely to leave your company.
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Strictly adhere to your driver hiring and selection standards. Qualified, experienced drivers do not want to be associated with a company that hires substandard drivers.
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Provide a structured and comprehensive new driver orientation and training program. Drivers need to know the company's policies and procedures before being placed into service. If they are informed of policies and procedures only after being placed into service, they are more likely to leave because they may wonder what other policies and procedures they will later be required to follow.
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Recognize drivers for their achievements and performance, including safe driving, longevity, customer service, and other accomplishments. Provide recognition they cannot get anywhere else. Make it personal to the driver—coats embroidered with their name and achievement, decals for the side of their truck displaying their first name and accomplishment, plaques, etc. Whenever possible, driver recognition should take place in front of their peers.
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When a driver terminates employment, conduct an exit interview. This can be done in person, or you can send a written evaluation with a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the driver to complete and return. Try to determine the actual reason the driver is leaving your company.
Help Your Fleet Drivers Avoid Rear-End Collisions
Most drivers would admit that, when in a hurry, they sometimes follow the vehicle in front of them too closely, but that's not a good idea. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rear-end crashes are the most frequently occurring type of collision, accounting for approximately 29% of all accidents in the U.S.
By failing to allow ample following distance, drivers rob themselves of the time needed to react in an emergency, such as when the car in front brakes suddenly for an animal. The odds of a collision are even greater when tailgating is combined with speeding or distracted driving.
A good rule of thumb to gauge following distance
Your fleet drivers can help avoid rear-end crashes by slowing down and increasing the distance between their vehicle and the one in front of them, or by
passing the vehicle if they can do so safely. They need to know that tailgating is not an option.
A common tool used to determine proper following distance is the 3-second rule. It works by choosing a fixed point that is even with the vehicle in front of you, such as a road sign or building. If you reach that fixed point before you can count to three, you are following too closely.
Prepare your drivers before they take the wheel
While most of your drivers understand the importance of maintaining proper following distance, it is beneficial to remind them periodically of your safety-first policy with timely tips such as:
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Use the 3-second rule. When the road is dry and straight, the 3-second rule is a simple way to give yourself enough time to react if the vehicle in front of you stops unexpectedly.
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Be aware of the weather. If the road is wet, snowy, or icy, the 3-second rule no longer applies, and you will need more room to stop. Be prepared in case the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly.
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Factor in visibility. If you are traveling between dusk and dawn, make sure your headlights are clean and functioning properly, and that your windshield is clean and clear to minimize glare.
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Know the vehicle you are driving. Does it have properly adjusted brakes and adequate tire tread? If not, you will need more space between your vehicle and the one in front of you to stop safely.
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Do not engage in distracted driving. Distracted driving is any activity that diverts your attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating or drinking, talking to passengers, adjusting the stereo, or using the entertainment or navigation system. Anything that takes your attention away from driving safely increases your risk.
Beware—We Are Now in the Busiest Time of Year for Road Construction
Drivers need to be especially cautious in construction zones this summer. States are making a concentrated
effort to raise awareness of the dangers in these areas. Here are some safety tips you can share with your drivers:
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SLOW DOWN and be alert when approaching a construction zone. Move into the correct lane well in advance. Where traffic is merging into a single lane, be cautious of motorists racing to get ahead of slowing traffic.
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GET OFF THE PHONE. Even hands-free phones can distract you from safely operating your truck.
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PAY ATTENTION to what the orange and black warning signs are telling you to do.
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BE ALERT for the actions of other drivers.
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PAY CLOSE ATTENTION to construction equipment and workers. You never know what their next move will be, so be prepared to stop.
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WATCH YOUR SPEED and don't tailgate. Double your following distance. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of construction zone accident.
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WATCH FOR CONSTRUCTION VEHICLES entering and exiting the roadway in or near the construction area, as they may travel at slower speeds than other traffic.
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TURN YOUR HEADLIGHTS ON as you approach a work zone, alerting both construction workers and other motorists to your presence.
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GIVE CONSTRUCTION WORKERS A BRAKE.
CVSA Brake Safety Week Scheduled for August 23–29
This year's Brake Safety Week is scheduled for August 23–29, according to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).
The enforcement campaign is part of the larger Brake Safety Awareness Month, which takes place throughout August.
During CVSA's annual enforcement event, roadside inspectors will:
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Focus on brake systems and components while conducting North American Standard Inspections.
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Place special emphasis on brake drums and rotors during this year's inspections.
The association will issue a report on its findings later this year.
The event is also an opportunity for motor carriers to educate drivers and maintenance service providers on the importance of brake safety.
