The latest report by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) ranks the ten most critical issues. It comes as no surprise that drivers are involved in nearly half of these issues. Although related to the driver shortage that takes first place in the top 10, driver retention remains a separate concern. Staff turnover results in significant costs for companies, as they constantly have to start over the recruitment and training processes.
By using the right tools, your drivers become more efficient and can spend more time doing what they enjoy: driving. This makes them more likely to develop a sense of loyalty to your organization. In this way, technology can certainly help increase driver retention.
Here are three reasons why technology is your ally:
1. Better time management
By increasing the efficiency with which they perform their tasks, such as filling in logbooks or conducting safety inspections, your drivers save valuable time. They no longer have to fill in paper forms. Not only can your drivers spend more time behind the wheel, they can also go home more quickly after work.
Thanks to technology, drivers don’t have to fill in electronic logbooks since everything is recorded automatically. The risk of error is reduced. That way, you ensure your drivers comply with hours-of-service regulations and avoid violations. Automation removes a source of stress for drivers.
An integrated real-time communication system between drivers and dispatchers also saves time for everyone involved. Decisions and resulting actions are made without delay. Your drivers quickly know where to go for the next pickup or delivery, without having to wait ten or fifteen minutes for a message from the dispatcher.
2. Performance incentives
Who doesn’t want to see their efforts rewarded? It’s a tactic that often inspires people to go above and beyond. Drivers are no different. Being paid based on their driving is encouraging. The ATRI report states that financial incentive systems that reward the safest and most productive drivers may boost driver retention.
To link driver pay to performance, you need a technological solution that can assess drivers fairly. The solution must consider only driver performance and isolate uncontrollable elements such as the truck load, truck model or year, or route. With a user-friendly solution and real-time coaching that’s easy to follow, drivers quickly get the hang of it and realize that they hold the key to their own success.
The ripple effect also has a significant impact. Drivers who drastically improve their performance using the solution show their peers that it can be done, which prompts fellow drivers to try to outdo themselves.
3. Simplified work
With drivers constantly on the road, we think of technology first and foremost as a tool to make travel more efficient. What is the best way to reach your destination and avoid traffic, while taking into account weather conditions and taking the best-suited roads? A navigation system that is specially designed for heavy-duty trucks, such as CoPilot, can be of great use. It provides accurate traffic information, as well as specific load and commercial vehicle restrictions.
Whether it’s a GPS, a camera integrated into your fleet management solution, or any other connected item using the Internet of Trucks, using technology makes your drivers’ job easier while ensuring the efficiency of your operations.
Users know how easy ISAAC technology is to use. Do you want to know how it can help you attract the best talent and keep your drivers? Contact us or request a meeting.
References
https://truckingresearch.org/atri-research/top-industry-issues/
https://www.npr.org/2018/01/09/576752327/trucking-industry-struggles-with-growing-driver-shortage
