The driver shortage is a problem that has plagued the industry for 15 years. Due to a tight labor market and an increasing average age of truck drivers, the driver shortage is expected to swell in the next decade. According to the American Trucking Association, the shortage could reach 160,000 drivers by 2028 If current trends hold.
Our recent State of Trucking survey also echoed this sentiment. About half of employers surveyed are having a difficult time filling open driver positions.
And while there are many options to help combat the shortage like increasing pay or modifying hiring requirements, there are some additional things to help the industry attract more drivers.
1. Invest in training
Proper training can help increase retention and attract new drivers to the industry. Many people are intimidated by driving a truck and promoting the extensive training provided can help mitigate those fears.
Having older drivers help train new drivers can also boost morale and help pass down legacy knowledge to the new generation of drivers. And proper training helps to reduce turnover with your current drivers and opens lines of communication between drivers and management.
2. Work to attract new populations to truck driving
Although it has taken awhile to turn the corner, companies are embracing diversity as a quick, efficient and socially responsible way to curb the driver shortage.
If you aren’t already, consider diversifying your hiring practices to attract different populations and women to the trucking industry. Many companies have found success by using a variety of recruiting tactics such as local news, radio and internal recommendations. Companies who have found success with this have reached out to their current minority drivers and asked where they turn to for local community news. There are many ways to do this and you’ll have to figure out what’s best for the community you live in but widening who is deemed a truck driver can bring new life into your recruitment practices.
3. Find a trusted partner
If you are having trouble finding qualified drivers because of the shortage, consider partnering with a trusted company like Centerline. Centerline can help you find qualified drivers fast.
Our average time to hire is 5 times faster than the industry average, meaning less disruptions to your day-to-day operations.
