- Hire the right people by using pre-employment tests, background checks, and a thorough interview process.
- Create a comfortable work environment in trucks with ergonomic seating and proper lighting.
- Offer competitive compensation to retain quality drivers and provide ongoing training opportunities to improve driver skills and knowledge.
- Promote open communication with apps, chatbots, and video conferencing.
- Have a qualified legal team on retainer for quick access to advice and support.
Human resource management is an essential part of any company, including trucking companies. Managing a trucking company involves various challenges because of its diverse and constantly changing workforce. With the right strategies, however, you can improve productivity, reduce employee turnover, and improve overall company performance. Here are some tips.
Hire the Right People
It may be tempting to hire drivers quickly, but the wrong hire can result in loss of money, time, and potentially the entire shipment. To avoid this, trucking companies should create a detailed hiring process. Here are some things to include:
Pre-employment Testing
Pre-employment testing is an essential part of the hiring process for trucking companies. This type of testing can provide insight into a potential hire’s abilities, work experience, and job-specific skills. With pre-employment tests, trucking companies can ensure they are hiring individuals who are qualified and experienced to do the job as safely and efficiently as possible.
Background Checks
Trucking companies should always conduct background checks on potential hires. This will help protect the company from any legal issues that might arise in the future and also verify information provided by the applicant. For instance, a background check can reveal if the driver has any past convictions or violations on their record that would make them unsuitable for the job.
Thorough Interview Process
The interview process is the best way to get to know potential hires and determine if they will be a good fit for the company. For starters, make sure to ask open-ended questions that can’t be answered with a simple yes or no.
This will allow you to get a better sense of the candidate’s perspective and skills. Additionally, it is important for trucking companies to follow up on references and have the applicant demonstrate their abilities in operating specific equipment related to the job.
Create a Comfortable Work Environment
Truck drivers can spend hours on the road, so it is crucial to make sure that the truck’s interior is comfortable and ergonomic. Comfortable seats, air conditioning, and proper lighting can make a big difference in reducing driver fatigue and stress. Additionally, make sure to give drivers enough rest time between trips to prevent burnout. Here are some other things to offer:
Offer Competitive Compensation
Trucking is demanding work, and drivers should be compensated fairly for their hard work and dedication. Competitive wages and benefits such as health insurance paid time off, and retirement plans can make a huge difference in retaining your quality drivers. Keep in mind that drivers, especially the experienced ones, know their worth and will look for other job opportunities if your company is not compensating them well.
Provide Ongoing Training
Continuous training and professional development can help drivers become better and more skilled employees. In addition to mandatory training requirements, consider offering additional training opportunities such as first-aid courses, safety courses, or professional certifications. Encourage your drivers to participate in these programs and show them that you value their professional growth.
Promote Open Communication
Communication is vital in any workplace, but it is imperative in trucking companies, where drivers often spend days away from the office. In addition to regular check-ins, consider using communication technology such as apps, chatbots, or video conferencing. These tools can help drivers communicate more effectively and feel connected to the rest of the team.
Have a Legal Team
Having experienced trucking lawyers on staff can be a great asset to your company. An experienced attorney can help you navigate various legal issues that may arise, such as labor rights, contracts, and overtime rules.
Additionally, they can provide sound advice when it comes to regulations and safety requirements in the industry. They can also keep your drivers at ease, knowing that their legal rights are being protected.
If possible, consider having a legal team on retainer so you have access to legal help when you need it. Vet them properly as well since you don’t want to be stuck with a team that does not understand trucking law.
Managing human resources in a trucking company is a complex process, but businesses that prioritize creating a positive work environment and offering fair compensation to their drivers, providing ample training and communication options, and implementing a stringent hiring process will ultimately see better employee retention rates and improve overall company performance. By implementing these five effective strategies, you can create a thriving work environment and retain quality drivers who will keep your business moving forward.
