The good news regarding the truck driver shortage is that things are getting better, and trends are reversing from where they were a few years ago.  Unfortunately, we’re not out of the woods yet.  There’s still a significant shortfall in many areas, and even at current rising employment rates, it’ll be a few more years before we have sufficient drivers to meet demand.

That means it’s still vital for fleets to have superior recruitment and retention policies, to make sure they stay ahead of the curve.  Use these techniques to keep your fleet staffed.

Ways to Improve Your Driver Recruitment and Retention

1. Create driver-focused marketing and outreach

Do your current web pages (and other materials) focus on how great your company is… or on what you can do for your drivers?  Potential drivers are going to primarily be looking out for number one and will likely pick the company which can do the most for them.  It’s good to talk up your company somewhat, but keep your recruitment focused on the drivers.

2. Implement a referral program

This is an age-old strategy, but it still works – so push for referrals, if you aren’t already.  Solid drivers are likely to know other people who would be interested in trucking, and a financial incentive can push them to sell you to other potential drivers.

3. Implement a wellness program

A wellness program doesn’t just show your drivers that you care – increasing recruitment and retention – but could potentially help you save money on health insurance and other benefits as well!

4. Be gracious when drivers leave

With the market such as it is, drivers are going to occasionally want to explore their options.  It’s best not to burn bridges.  If a driver in good standing leaves your company, wish them well and tell them they’ll be welcome to come back in the future.  After all, if they discover the grass isn’t greener in another pasture, they probably will come back if you part on good terms.

Great Used Kenworth Trucks Now for Sale!

Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth has one of the best selections of used Kenworth trucks you’re likely to find anywhere in the northeast.  Come by either of our locations to browse, or give us a call if you’re looking for specific used Kenworth trucks.

Will we be offering self-driving Kenworth trucks for sale someday?  An idea that was pure science fiction a decade ago suddenly doesn’t sound very implausible.  Many companies, such as Tesla, are getting serious about developing autonomous trucks.  There are even test-hauls happening right now in the US, although currently always under human supervision.

Self-driving vehicles are still several years or more away from being ready for everyday use, but at this point, it seems basically inevitable that eventually autonomous vehicles will start entering commercial fleets.  What would that mean for you and your business?

Pros & Cons of Self-Driving Vehicles

First, let’s acknowledge that it will still be quite a few years before self-driving trucks become commonplace.  The biggest issue – and the one which, to our knowledge, will be the hardest to overcome – is that current autonomous technology has a very hard time with inclement weather.  Heavy rains can disrupt self-driving systems, and they’re basically useless on snowy or icy roads.  In fact, it may be a very long time before companies in northern areas can fully embrace self-driving cars.

Some people even suggest that fully autonomous trucks may never come about.  For example, Uber envisions a future where “robo-trucks” will always have humans riding along.  The humans would be providing security, oversight, and take over driving when conditions are too challenging for the computer.

Advantages for Fleet Operators

Still, when self-driving vehicles do hit the road, they’re going to bring some advantages for fleet operators:

• Faster deliveries.  Self-driving trucks don’t need food or showers or sleep.
• Less paperwork.  The onboard computers should be able to capture every bit of telemetry and data needed for all administrative functions and submit it automatically.
• Fewer accidents.  While the technology is still rough, it seems likely that autonomous vehicles will eventually see much better safety records than humans.
• Ride-sharing?  Uber is involved because they think it’ll be cheaper for shippers to rent robo-trucks by the hour or mile, rather than owning.  It’s an interesting idea.

Basically, autonomous trucks have the potential to be the biggest disruptors in the history of the trucking industry.  We’re going to be fascinated to see how it goes.

Great Human-Driven Kenworth Trucks for Sale at Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth!

Until the future arrives, you can still get fantastic Kenworth trucks and fantastic service here at Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth!  Come by either of our locations to see for yourself.

One of the biggest threats to safety, when a truck is on the road, is the problem of distracted drivers. Any driver putting significant hours in will be distracted by numerous things during the drive, as well as potentially adding to their distraction with various forms of in-cab entertainment.

Some of these distractions are needed to help the driver keep focused, such as listening to music or perhaps audiobooks.  But when those distractions become safety hazards, a fleet coordinator must step in and make changes.  In our own view, from decades of offering Kenworth trucks for sale, these are some of the best ways to prevent distracted driving from causing harm.

Four Ways to Reduce Distracted Driving Accidents in Your Fleet

1. Better hiring and interviewing practices

For better driver performance, hire better drivers.  With many transportation companies and trucking schools pushing recruitment as hard as they can, it’s easy to end up with drivers who underestimate how challenging day-long drives can be.  This should be a central point in hiring, screening, and interviewing.  Look for candidates who understand the tedium of long hauls and pick the ones with the best solutions for alleviating it.

2. Anti-Crash systems

Many of our Kenworth trucks for sale, as well as those from other manufacturers, now have smart monitoring systems that can reduce the risk from distracted drivers.  They can detect when a truck is veering out of its lane, or automatically brake if a vehicle ahead is braking.  While not a substitute for alert human driving, it’s a solid “failsafe” system that can save lives.

3. Offer safe driving bonuses

Many drivers are scrambling to make every dollar they can while on the road – make use of that!  GPS monitoring systems can offer detailed overviews of each driver’s on-road performance.  Make safety a priority and offer bonuses for drivers who consistently drive in safe ways.

4. Police long-haul drivers’ cabs

Keep an eye on what your drivers have in their cabs, and what is accessible while they’re driving.  They might have a video game console, for example, but it should be in the rear where it’s out of sight while on the road.  Remove or relocate anything that could provide an on-road distraction.

Great Kenworth Trucks for Sale at Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth

Whether you want new or used, we have it.  Visit either of our two locations today!