Steps to Hiring the Best Drivers Despite a Driver Shortage

Whether you are operating a fleet of semi-trucks or managing school buses for a school district, chances are you don’t have enough skilled drivers on the payroll. Unfortunately, you are not the only one in this predicament in the U.S.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, drivers are ‘aging out’ faster than they can be replaced with younger drivers. The average age is 49 compared to 42 – which is the average for the American worker. According to a 2019 truck driver shortage analysis by the American Trucking Associations, in 2018, the trucking industry was short roughly 60,800 drivers, which was up nearly 20 percent from 2017’s figure of 50,700. If current trends hold, the shortage could swell to more than 160,000 by 2028.

Besides facing hiring challenges in this industry, you should also focus on retaining drivers you have and ensure they remain long enough to become assets. Even though competitive salaries play a big part in both cases, large paychecks can get passed over for better benefits or perks, which provide drivers more stability.

Millennial drivers will usually go to the latter. Since millennial are the largest generation in the workforce, getting them onboard will be a benefit to you. However, unlike Baby Boomers, they are more interested in jobs that can outline what their daily workday will look like and what they can earn from it. This includes promotion opportunities, perks and benefits the company can offer and which can improve their quality of life.

That is what this generation of drivers will look for during a job search:

• Whether the company offers real-time feedback and support.
• How well the company is financially doing.
• What retirement benefits it offers and if they are suitable.
• What career advancement opportunities it offers.

Today, drivers are less impressed by flashy advertisements and websites than they are with jobs that can give them stability. This usually takes the form of regular paychecks, schedules and set miles.

So, whether you want to hire new drivers or retain skilled ones, show them through a competitive salary how their education, future and health will benefit if they work for you. This includes providing 401(k) options, educational opportunities and health plans, which can make the job worth their time and effort.

That is the best way to create a work environment where the employees can feel valued, validated and respected. By proving you are willing to take measures to ensure their comfort and keep them in the company, your company may also attract more drivers in the future via word of mouth.

Protect Your Business Interests with Help from SIA Insurance Group

You may have to suffer through the driver shortage for a while before things look up. But, that doesn’t mean you should grow lax in protecting your current business practices. That is where SIA Insurance Group can prove invaluable for you. Our trained personnel will work with you to create a custom insurance and risk management program to meet your needs. Our team is capable of providing cost-efficient and cutting-edge solutions for the small and middle markets. Get in touch with us in Woodridge, Illinois, for a consultation today.