All industries across the globe are having trouble finding quality workers right now. This is especially true for the trucking industry. The ongoing trucker shortage is disruptive to the economy because it causes supply shortages and delayed deliveries. This has made attracting and retaining qualified workers one of the most important tasks for employers this year. In this blog, we will discuss potential factors causing labor shortages and provide helpful tips to attract and retain top talent.
Factors Affecting The Labor Market
One of the most obvious culprits of this labor shortage is the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it has been over two years since the start of the pandemic, the trucking industry is still approximately 33,000 drivers short of pre-covid numbers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
COVID-19 is not the only factor disrupting the labor market. The number of qualified drivers has actually been declining for years. Drivers are retiring at a much faster rate than they are being replaced. According to the latest estimates from the American Trucking Association, the driver shortage could rise to 160,000 by 2030.
This declining rate of available drivers is not only detrimental to the trucking industry, but also to the nation’s economy as a whole. Figuring out ways to promote more truck drivers in the industry and attract their talent is of the utmost importance.
3 Tips For Attracting & Retaining Truck Drivers
Use The Internet To Your Advantage
In today’s technological world, the internet is the most convenient and effective recruitment tool. From your website to social media pages, establishing an online presence is an important factor when it comes to attracting top talent.
Keep your website updated and easy to navigate. Ensure that all users can easily identify where to contact you in case they’re interested in a job. Paid Google ads are also a great starting point because they cast a wide net for prospective drivers in the area to locate your company.
Provide Training Opportunities
Prospects will be more likely to choose your company over a competitor if you provide educational and training opportunities. Access to in-depth educational opportunities takes a large time and financial burden off the shoulders of potential drivers. Providing on-site training and education has proven to make it more likely for employees to stay with the company. It’s a perk that most top talent will be expecting in the foreseeable future.
Target Diversified Talent Pools
According to Zippia, there are over 1.3 million commercial truck drivers currently employed in the U.S. and only 9% of those drivers are women. Employers should consider how their recruiting efforts can be used to attract underrepresented demographic groups such as female drivers or POC.
For example, employers can structure their offerings and perks to aid potential employees’ responsibilities. This can open up career opportunities to a broader range of people such as working parents. Allow drivers to submit scheduling preferences and offer flexible working hours/routes.
Additionally, employers should look to recruit young talent through training programs. With the average age of commercial truck drivers being 48, there are many young drivers that companies can capitalize on.
Support Your Talented Team With RRL Insurance
Implementing some of these tips into your recruitment process should help you find a wider range of drivers to choose from. With the current labor shortage, it can be easy to cut corners and hire just anyone, but it’s always important to ensure all your drivers are fully qualified for the position. RRL Insurance can help you support your talented team of drivers by taking care of all your insurance and employee benefits needs. For more information on how we can help, please contact us today to set up a call.