Hold a conversation with any hiring manager in the trucking industry today and you will quickly see it revolves around the shortage of drivers. However, there are a few “rebel” hiring managers that have chosen to think outside the box when it comes to their hiring process, what they are offering their candidates, and how they are retaining them.
Many of these hiring managers were around during the deregulation of trucking in the 1980’s, and understand fully what it means to change everything throughout your operations. They feel that with the shortage of truck drivers today, it is no different, which has led them to think outside the box and come up with some clever ways to fill their positions and keep them.
Their first suggestion is to start with your customers. You may be thinking, what does this have to do with recruiting drivers and retaining them. Well, imagine if you were able to make your consumers understand the dire need for drivers, and how, without them and their skills, they would not receive their shipments timely, in good order, etc. This conversation leads to charging more for their services, which in turn, allows the hiring managers the ability to offer more money to their candidates and drivers. Outside the box thinking!
Another idea, often unheard of in the trucking industry, is offering to pay drivers hourly. In years past, those that suggested such a thing were put under fire for the idea, however, many of these companies that have gone to hourly pay have been able to recruit better talent, and are able to retain them. Thinking outside the box – yes!
While many companies look at current regulation and technology as a thorn in their side and that it works against them, these hiring managers are using it to their advantage. Younger candidates thrive with technology and look for regulation. Implement these into a training program or apprenticeship program, and suddenly you will have plenty of younger candidates trying to get in.
It is important during this truck driver shortage to think outside the box. When you do, you will suddenly see results.
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