Do your drivers know how much you appreciate them? Many truckers don’t.
During the holidays who actually sees an increased workload with more freight to deliver? Drivers. On the days the roads are terrible who still needs to deliver? Drivers. Rain or shine, day or night – truck drivers are always out on the road.
Currently, the trucking industry hauls nearly 70 percent of all freight in the United States, and that number is expected to rise in the next several years.
What can you do?
Take the time to make your driver’s day. A little thoughtfulness goes a long way when it comes to making a driver feel appreciated and glad to be part of your team.
Here are 5 ways to start:
- Be Honest – Trust your driver with the details. Letting a driver know everything that goes into a load helps them help you. Is it going to take an extra hour to load? Is there going to be down time in between loads? How is the load packaged? Sharing all the information with the driver lets them know that their expertise is valuable and you appreciate the care that they put into doing their best job.
- Respect their Time – Many truckers are on the road for days at a time. The last thing they want to do is find themselves stuck at a loading dock for hours as they watch their valuable home time get eaten away by poor planning. Many truckers have kids and families. They depend on being home when promised. Make sure you stick to the driving schedule you and a driver agree to. If a driver is supposed to be home on Friday, get him or her home.
- Pay Fair – Whether you pay by the hour or the mile – you get what you pay for. Great drivers that aren’t fairly compensated will eventually find another trucking company. Compensation isn’t just about dollars. Home time, respect, and co-worker relationships all play a big part in the compensation package. That being said, actual dollars still matter. Keep your great drivers happy. Pay them what they deserve.
- Show Hospitality – Being on the road for hours at a time can be a lonely and grueling job. When a driver shows up at your loading dock, show them you appreciate all that goes into the safe delivery of your load. A friendly face, a clean bathroom and a cup of coffee might not sound like much, but, when you’ve been alone in your cab for the past 10 hours, it can make a big difference.
- Help Them Uphold the Rules – Federal driving regulations aren’t just about getting a load in. They’re there to safeguard your most important asset – your driver. When you ask a driver to break the rules, you are showing how little they matter. Good drivers take the safety of other drivers seriously. Your driver (and the other drivers on the road) should be more important than a load.
Take the time to show your drivers you care. A small bit of effort on the front end creates a team of drivers that step up to take care of the little things.
It’s these little things that make your trucking company great.
Ready to Drive for Midwest?
Contact our Driver Employment Specialists today or call 920-462-5037!
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