3 Ways For Fleet Managers To Keep Drivers Happy
Truck driver shortages are on the rise and there is no end to it in sight. It’s expected that the truck driver storage may even triple by 2026. The truck driver turn-over rate with large carriers (those with more than $27 million in annual revenue) went up in the second quarter of 2018, rising 4 percentage points to an annualized rate of 98%. So how exactly can fleet managers keep their truckers happy and satisfied with their jobs and avoid high turnover rates?
Understand and respect your drivers
In any field of occupation, respect is essential to keeping employees happy and loyal to the company. According to the Harvard Business Review, those employees that get respect from their leaders reported an 89% greater enjoyment and satisfaction with their jobs and they were also 1.1 times more likely to stay with their organizations than those who didn’t. It’s essential for truck drivers to feel that they have the support and respect from their managers that they deserve. Fleet managers should understand the difficult conditions that drivers work in and offer ways for drivers to provide feedback about their experiences to their managers. Anonymous surveys are a great way to get honest responses from drivers and can help fleet managers to see how to rectify the challenging situations drivers face while on the job.
Provide drivers with user-friendly technology
With the ELD mandate, there have been a lot of changes recently in the trucking world. For many drivers, the switch from paper to electronic logs may be a difficult change, especially for those who are not very familiar with the technology. Many drivers may be very skilled and experienced, but due to their lack of confidence with technology, they may even have doubts if the trucking business is still for them. As fleet managers, make sure you provide them with access to user-friendly ELD compliant systems and ample training for drivers, each at their own individual pace, to learn these new systems. At Matrack we understand drivers’ concerns about technology and we are here to provide drivers with easy to use ELD compliant devices and Apps and 24/7 friendly and reliable technical support.
Offer incentives to your drivers
Due to their stressful and sedentary lifestyle, truck drivers are at a higher risk for developing preventable, long-lasting diseases. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted the National Survey of Long-Haul Truck Driver Health and Injury. They found that “more than half of long-haul truck drivers reported having two or more of these health conditions or unhealthy behaviors: high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, limited physical activity, high cholesterol, or fewer than 6 hours of sleep.” Given the statistics, it is no wonder that health insurance is on the top of the list of truck drivers concerns. Unfortunately, 38% of long-haul drivers have no form of health insurance. Trucking companies that offer full medical coverage to their drivers and drivers’ dependents will ensure a competitive place in the marketplace. Other incentive options for drivers could be more home time, vacation time, bonuses, or discounts with certain retailers. This will ensure that drivers think twice before switching to a different company.
It is essential for fleet managers to respect their drivers and work together with them as a team. Managers should communicate with their employees and stay open to feedback, enabling them to understand the challenges that their drivers face. If fleet managers provide their drivers with user-friendly technology and appropriate training on how to use it, drivers will have self-confidence in their work; regardless if they are tech savvy or not. Also, by providing incentives to drivers such as health insurance, home time and vacation time, drivers will be able to get the medical care that they need and the family time that will help them to feel enthusiastic and productive in their work.
MatrackInc.com provides easy to use electronic logbook devices for trucks that allow drivers to log DOT compliant HOS, claim unassigned driving hours, voice-based ELD status change, low fuel notifications, and effective accident reporting.