The coronavirus pandemic has left the trucking industry facing a labor shortage. Learn more about strategies that can help improve employee retention among truckers.
2. When the coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020, the essential role
that truck drivers play in society quickly became apparent.
Truck drivers delivered crucial PPE, inventory to grocery
stores, and packages that people needed as they turned to
shopping online instead of doing their shopping in
brick-and-mortar stores.
But, as is the case for many other industries, the trucking
industry has been left dealing with a labor shortage in the
wake of the pandemic.
3. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the truck
transportation industry lost 6% of its pre-pandemic labor
force, which stood at 1.52 million workers. From that low at
the height of the pandemic, employment levels have been yet
to fully rebound. As of July 2021, the industry was still about
33,000 jobs short of their levels in February 2020.
6. 1. Increase Pay
A simple solution to attract employees in any industry is to
pay higher wages. However, given the high competition for
truck drivers, higher wages aren’t necessarily enough to keep
drivers at a given company since other companies may be
offering better pay and other benefits.
7. 2. Invest in Equipment
Having the right tools to do a job can be a very important part of
employee retention. When vehicles are well maintained, truckers are
more likely to be satisfied with their job since they don’t need to worry
about things like breakdowns that will make it difficult for them to make
deliveries on time.
Adding desirable features can also help with retention. For example, Joe
Kay, drivetrain engineering director for Meritor, told CCJ, that some
fleets have reported that spec’ing air disc brakes in trucks has helped
with retention. He notes, “Reduced brake-to-brake variation and more
linear torque output offers ride and handling characteristics that are
closer to that of a passenger car. Plus, the improved ride and handling can
instill increased driver confidence in the brake system.”
8. 3. Support Wellness
Trucking has long had a reputation for having a high rate of job-related
injuries. Some common work-related injuries in the trucking industry
cited by OSHA include muscle sprain/strain, bruises, fractures,
cuts/lacerations, soreness and pain, and other traumatic injuries. These
types of injuries can be caused by things like overexertion, being struck
by an object, transportation accidents, and falling.
Offering support for physical and mental wellbeing can be very highly
valued by drivers. For example, offering ongoing safety training can
prove to be beneficial for employers and drivers alike by giving drivers
resources to stay safe on the job and helping employers avoid the costs
that come with on-the-job injuries.
9. 4. Ask for Feedback & Offer Rewards
Drivers know their jobs very well so they may have some very
valuable insights about where improvements can be made.
Listening to feedback from employees and acting on that feedback
can not only be beneficial to the employer, it’s an effective way to
make drivers feel like they are valued and improve
communications.
Offering rewards for good behavior on the job is also an effective
way to make people feel valued and encourage safe behaviors on
the road. Consider offering rewards for good behaviors such as
consistent seat belt usage and driving at safe speed levels.
10. 5. Opportunities for Advancement
One reason why many people might not want to work as a
truck driver is because they’re worried they wouldn’t have
any opportunities for advancement. By offering ongoing
training opportunities, it gives people the opportunity to learn
new skills and move into new positions within the company if
they are interested.
