Driver shortages hit all-time highs in 2021, making recruiting and retention a top priority for both large and small motor carriers. How can fleet managers and business leaders attract and retain drivers to fill their needs today and prepare for the demands of the future?
All employees want to feel supported by their employers, so having an employee-first (or specifically a driver-first) culture is important. Having access to the latest tools for communication, efficiency, and safety are important to them.
Offering a company culture that includes these technologies is the first step in building and maintaining a company that drivers want to become part of. Here are a few tools that are helping companies attract drivers and are helping driver stay safe, stay in touch, and efficiently complete their routes so they can return home to their families.
Becoming a Driver-First Focused Company
The right company focus that gives employees a sense of belonging, purpose, and tangible benefits is the first step toward retention. In this article, we present you with the top tools to consider in order to build that driver-first culture in your company.
Telematics Solutions
Your drivers spend most of their day behind the wheel and on the road alone. What better way to support them during the most difficult part of their job than with telematics-based software solutions that clearly offer a positive impact on driver experience and efficiency.
With mandated ELD regulations, drivers are concerned about planning their drive time accurately to avoid HOS violations. One extremely helpful tool in getting drivers home faster is a weigh station bypass system. Bypass systems not only make the driver feel cared-for and their time appreciated, but they also save the company time and money when drivers do not have to stop, produce the required information, and wait for law enforcement review. Some bypass systems offer e-inspection capabilities which streamline the process even if the driver is required to stop. Inspection time can be reduced from over a half hour to just minutes, enabling the driver to get back on the road more quickly.
Electronic Driver Qualification File Management
Another impressive tool that speeds onboarding and seasonal hiring, is online driver qualification file software. Online access for applying, re-hire, and getting the necessary documentation for compliance helps companies streamline their operations and present themselves to prospective employees in a professional and organization manner.
These driver qualification file systems also offer driver communications to help facilitate the gathering of compliance documents while on the road. When a driver applicant sees how easy the onboard and compliance process is, the driver-first company benefits.
In Conclusion
At VLC, our TripDawg and DQMConnect™ products are helping companies improve recruitment and retention by helping them with a driver-first culture. Let’s explore these opportunities and others that can help your business build an efficient, exciting technology strong company that drivers want to be part of. Contact us for a discovery call.
