Recent announcements from ACT Research show Class 8 truck orders were up 4.2% in February. With fleets ordering over 23,000 truck in North America alone, last month proved to be the industry’s highest order rate since January of 2012. The spike in orders is a positive indicator for the economy, automotive component manufacturers, and our fleets. How will the existing high demand for qualified drivers be impacted?
Despite the recent recession and high unemployment rates, trucking companies have struggled to locate qualified talent in the recent years. High turnover rates, an aging workforce, and the struggle to find long haul drivers have made the recruiting search a difficult one. Recently, the Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics predicted that US companies alone would create over 115,000 truck driver jobs each year through 2016. Where does this leave logistics employers? In a battle for talent.
With the strong and consistent demand for talent, employers have to employ a wide range of recruitment and retention strategies to keep qualified drivers in the seats and trucks rolling. Not sure where to start? Here are a few tips to increase your competitive edge in the battle for safe and qualified truck drivers:
- Create a company culture and employment brand that drivers want to work for.
- Employ a wide range of recruiting strategies such as advertising, pursuing passive candidates, offering referral bonuses, and working with a staffing agency that is specialized in the industry.
- Build rapport with driving school instructors. Be the employer that they want their students to work for.
- Offer tuition reimbursement programs.
- Speak with your current drivers to learn more about what they enjoy about working for your company and to identify areas of improvement. Implement changes to help retain your talent.
The increased demand for drivers also impacts other logistics positions as well. An increased demand for dispatchers, warehouse personnel, and logistics professionals will continue to rise. Preparation and retention are the key to remaining staffed and keeping the wheels in motion.
Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of professional drivers? Contact us today! Learn more about our Dedicated Driver Services here! Are you a safe and professional driver who is seeking a rewarding career? Visit us here to locate a driving career in your area!
Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.
