In the trucking industry, team truck driving stands out as a unique and essential component. It’s an intense job with its own set of challenges and rewards.
For fleet managers and trucking recruiters, understanding the nuance in recruiting team drivers is vital to maintaining an efficient fleet. Here’s a guide on revamping your recruitment strategy and attracting the best team drivers to your company.
Understanding the Role of Team Truck Driving
Before you start overhauling your hiring process, it’s crucial to understand what team driving entails. Team truck driving involves employing a truck driver, also called a motor carrier, to work with someone else. These drivers take turns operating a truck continuously. They split time behind the wheel and take breaks to sleep while the other continues to drive the vehicle. These jobs allow for strict delivery schedules for perishable goods.
Unlike a solo driver, a team driver works to cover significantly more miles. Team driving allows you to deliver more freight or more priority loads to destinations without delay.
However, the job also requires compatibility with a driving partner, the ability to work in close quarters for extended periods, and flexibility in schedule.
Recruitment Tips for Fleet Managers and Trucking Recruiters
Attracting top talent in the team-driving sector can be competitive. It requires a combination of appealing benefits and an understanding of the drivers’ needs. As a recruiter, you may be looking to sign on a truck driver with more experience for this role. These are but a few options beyond having strong job descriptions.
Offering Competitive Pay
The first thing you can do is offer monetary incentives. They are key to finding an employee in any career path, and truck driving is no exception.
Team truck drivers are compensated with higher pay for their increased productivity, hours of service, and shared responsibility. Consider offering a salary or per-mile rate that acknowledges the additional work and travel time invested by team truck driving.
Implementing a Pet/Rider Policy
Family considerations can be a deal-breaker for a potential team driver. To create a more appealing work environment, you can allow couples to be truck drivers together and implement a pet and rider policy. This can also ease the awkwardness of sharing a sleeper berth between other drivers.
Such an opportunity can bring a person interested in truck driving who may not have otherwise applied. This can also contribute to improved truck driver satisfaction and retention, as it helps preserve the work-life balance, even in the unique context of the trucking industry.
Allowing Existing Teams to Operate Together
Those already experienced in team trucking often have established working relationships that contribute to their efficiency. Where possible, allow existing teams to remain together when they join your fleet.
You may not have teams yet, but you probably know a truck driver or two who would be willing to team up with a friend. It is easier for friends to partner and spend time in such a small space than with someone else.
This idea could allow you to source for team trucking from your existing employees. If not, this strategy can streamline the onboarding process and set new hires up for success from the start.
Providing Fleet Amenities
Invest in amenities that make life on the highway more comfortable. Simple additions such as high-quality bedding and onboard entertainment in the sleeper berth are a start. Providing better food options can significantly improve the experience for many drivers, making your jobs more attractive.
The lack of personal space for two drivers in a cab makes the little comforts even more important to a team driving.
Top-performing companies often offer signing bonuses and access to technology that enhances the truck driving experience and safety.
Creating a Strong Company Culture
The importance of company culture cannot be overstated. A positive and supportive work environment, paired with regular team-building activities both in the office and on the road, can foster loyalty and job satisfaction.
Establish clear communication channels that encourage feedback and dialogues between drivers and management. Recognize and reward team achievements to build a sense of camaraderie and accomplishment.
Provide continuous training and development opportunities to support trucking career growth. Foster an inclusive environment that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all team members.
Fostering Personal Development and Career Growth
Career development opportunities, such as training programs and the chance to progress within the company, are great motivators for team truck drivers. When designing your recruitment strategy, highlight the paths for advancement and the support provided to ensure continuous professional growth.
Employers can enhance their recruitment appeal by offering certification programs that allow drivers to specialize in different types of cargo. Mentorship programs pairing seasoned drivers with newcomers can foster skill development and a sense of belonging.
Lastly, clear pathways to leadership roles within the company can motivate drivers to pursue long-term careers and contribute to a dynamic and robust team.
Leveraging Social Media and Online Platforms
A strong presence on social media and online job platforms is essential in today’s digital age. Use these channels to showcase testimonials from existing team drivers, highlight the benefits of working for your company, and offer insights into your team drivers’ day-to-day lives.
This approach can help attract top talent and create a strong employer brand.
Utilizing Referral Programs
Implement a referral program that incentivizes current truckers to recommend new candidates. Word of mouth is a powerful recruitment tool in any industry, particularly in a close-knit field like truck driving.
Offering referral bonuses can also contribute to increased driver retention and satisfaction.
Partnering with Training Schools and Programs
Collaborate with truck driving academies and other training programs to identify potential team driving candidates.
By being involved in the educational process, you can ensure a pipeline of well-prepared, enthusiastic team drivers who are aligned with your company’s values and needs.
The driving teams you hire have complete control of your equipment. It is easier to trust the team driving when you can give input into their education.
Pros and Cons of Team Truck Driving
The Benefits of Team Driving
Hiring team drivers presents numerous benefits for trucking companies that go beyond the immediate increase in mileage and delivery speed.
With team driving, trucks are operational for more extended periods, optimizing asset utilization and significantly boosting overall productivity. This operational efficiency can lead to higher client satisfaction due to reduced delivery times and the capability to meet stringent deadlines.
Additionally, team drivers tend to have lower rates of accidents and infractions, which can be attributed to shared responsibility and the ability to monitor each other’s driving habits for safety.
Having a driving partner can also make adverse driving conditions more manageable when the driver takes breaks or if something goes wrong.
Furthermore, incorporating team drivers into the fleet fosters a competitive yet collaborative working atmosphere, which can elevate the morale and collective performance of the entire workforce.
This symbiotic relationship enhances the company’s reputation in the industry, making it an attractive option for potential clients and top talent seeking employment.
The Downside of Hiring Team Drivers
Despite the numerous advantages, hiring a driving team means additional challenges. One significant downside is money. Two drivers are obviously going to cost more money than solo drivers.
Finding compatible drivers who can work efficiently together can be time-consuming. Conflict resolution becomes more complex with two personalities in such close quarters for extended periods.
The relentless driving schedule also increases the risk of burnout, which may affect performance over time. You will have to work to ensure each driver’s driving schedules align. One driver cannot have an off-duty period that is different from the other.
Even the closest drivers will need a break and some alone time from each other after a week with their driving partner.
Scheduling time off for a team driver without disrupting delivery timelines requires careful planning. Lastly, not all clients or cargo needs justify the added expense of team driving, limiting its applicability in some scenarios.
Find the Best Fit for You
Recruiting a team truck driver is not just about filling seats but rather building a strong fleet. By implementing these strategies, you can make your company more appealing to team drivers and ultimately enhance the success and reputation of your trucking business.
Remember, investing in your team drivers is investing in the future of your entire organization. With the right approach, you’ll attract top truck drivers and retain them for the long haul.
Leave a Reply