Lay Out a Detailed Hiring Policy:
Establish a hiring policy specifically for your drivers and enlist the help of a lawyer. Be very clear on the qualifications and expectations required to operate company vehicles.
You do not want to completely eliminate the entire job pool, but it might be worth while to require a minimum level of of experience in order to operate certain vehicles. After all, a proven record speaks volumes in contrast to an assumption or promise.
Remember that this new hire will be an ambassador of your brand, and is likely going to be cruising your rolling billboard all around town for everyone to see. Poor maintenance, upkeep and irresponsible driving are going to be in the public eye, so make sure you are defining responsibilities beyond simply operating the vehicle.
Do Your Research:
For serious candidates, a background check is absolutely worth the time and money. Be sure to check their references and driving history. Check with your state for a detailed Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).
Incidents where the driver was at fault and traffic violations are certainly red flags. Keep in mind that if that type of behavior continues on your watch, then you are running the risk of losing a lot of money off your bottom line.
When it comes to DOT regulated fleets, you should also keep in mind that points and violations follow the driver to your company. Companies that fall under DOT rules are required to maintain a qualification file for all drivers, including any requirements like road test certificates, a medical examiner’s certificate, driving records, as well as an annual driving review.
The answer to hiring and retaining good drivers is to make them feel well-compensated and respected. Below are several tactics your company can adopt to achieve this. You do not have to pay the biggest salaries or offer the best benefits in order to keep drivers. You do, however, need to invest some time, thought and money into most of these steps:
Explore new payment methods
You need to be more creative than just paying your drivers by the mile. The average per-mile pay rates for most trucking modes have barely increased since 2008. Many trucking companies are now recruiting drivers by offering performance and sign-on bonuses. Some fleets offer as much as $6,000 up-front to hire an experienced driver. Another approach is scrapping per-mile pay entirely in favor of hourly pay. That way drivers are paid for everything they do, including loading and unloading. This approach can also promote safer driving. If you are not paying by the mile, the driver will not be in a rush to deliver a load and move on to the next haul.
Create performance incentives
You want employees who work hard, arrive on time and drive safely. Why not reward those behaviors? Some trucking companies have found success in offering drivers bonuses every six months for meeting fuel efficiency and safety goals. This is a win for both the drivers and the fleet owner. Good driving habits help reduce fuel and equipment costs, improving your company’s bottom line.
Give them the tools they need
Do what you can to ensure each driver’s success. Develop an orientation program that trains new drivers on how your company operates. Provide a warm welcome by introducing drivers to everyone on your staff. If possible, pair each new driver with a mentor within your organization. Steps like these can increase drivers’ comfort levels with your company and build greater loyalty.
Make them feel valued
All truck drivers have horror stories about companies that demand long hours with moderate pay and no respect. Do not become one of those companies. Build a team-oriented culture that embraces your drivers. Offer drivers the same benefits and perks that you provide your office employees. Keep an open line of communication with drivers and solicit their ideas. When a driver has a problem, address it promptly. Show you care about your drivers’ family lives by providing perks like two days of home time after every 3,000 miles of service.
With today’s capacity shortage, good pay and benefits are not enough to retain the best drivers on your team. Drivers want to be valued and to play a part in your company’s growth.
http://www.kaamkhoj.co.in/
http://www.kaamkhoj.co.in/
