Michael Nischan presents on the critical importance of the trucking industry and its number one asset, the driver.

1. The Critical Supply Chain Link - Finding and Keeping Good Drivers
Michael Nischan, CDS, CCSP
VP Transportation & Logistics Risk Control, EPIC Brokers
http://www.epicbrokers.com michael.nischan@epicbrokers.com

2. © ORTEC Slide 2
No Trucks = No Economy
Everything in our homes and
offices, everything we wear,
everything we eat – was brought
by a truck.

3. © ORTEC Slide 3
Profile of the Typical Truck Driver
• 53 years of age
• > 70% are morbidly obese
• > 50% smoke
• ~ 1/3 suffer from sleep apnea
• Participates in “churning of the industry;” turnover is at 95%
Death is not a form of retirement!

4. © ORTEC Slide 4
Recent Regulatory Actions Impacting Drivers
• National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners – May 21, 2014.
• 34-Hour Restart; suspension of two restrictions (requirement for two
periods of 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. and the limit on use more than once every
168 hours) – December 16, 2014.
• No-defect DVIR rule – December 18, 2014.
• CDL & MEC merger – January 31, 2015.
• Final ELD rule – November 9, 2015?
The only thing that is for certain is change.

5. © ORTEC Slide 5
Solution 1 – Enhance Company Culture
Solution 2 – Recruiting and Retention Practices
Solution 3 – Good Hiring and Training Processes
Solution 4 – Focus on the Driver
How to keep top drivers?

6. © ORTEC Slide 6
Solution 1 - Enhance Company Culture
• Accountable & knowledgeable management team for risk
management, compliance and safety
• Communicate transportation policies to drivers
• Utilize training program for management and drivers
• Keep all programs current
• Nice, modern, high-tech equipment

7. © ORTEC Slide 7
Solution 2 – Recruiting and Retention Practices
• Attract & retain top talent, pay should be above median
• Attract younger drivers, utilize creativity in job postings using
social media & participating in job fairs
• Recruit from the pool of military veterans; younger and disciplined
employees with heavy equipment experience
• Ask existing drivers for referrals, provide rewards for referrals that
stay

8. © ORTEC Slide 8
Solution 3 – Good Hiring and Training Processes
• Use standardized processes to hire and retain the best drivers.
• Use the Pre-Employment Screening (PSP) Program.
• Initial road tests for drivers, additional evaluations after
events/collisions.
• New-hire orientation to clarify company expectations.
• Continuing management and driver education – technology?

9. © ORTEC Slide 9
Solution 4 – Focus on the Driver
• Daily personal interaction between dispatchers and drivers so
drivers aren’t “forgotten.”
• Wellness programs to educate drivers on diet, exercise, smoking
and alcohol, bulletins sent to the home / family.
• Recognize drivers (National Truck Driver Appreciation Week,
safety performance, roadside inspections) to highlight the efforts
and results of your safety culture.
• Wellness is not only a safety component, but is also retention
component.

10. © ORTEC Slide 10
Bottom Line
• Companies must have a sincere interest to succeed and must
invest in themselves to bring about culture change.
• The result – companies become safer and more profitable
organizations.
• Remember, failing to plan is planning to fail.

11. Thank you.
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Michael Nischan, CDS, CCSP
VP Transportation & Logistics Risk Control, EPIC Brokers
http://www.epicbrokers.com michael.nischan@epicbrokers.com