Truck drivers are an essential part of the transportation industry, but unfortunately, many are leaving their carriers for a variety of reasons. From feeling unappreciated to not receiving enough home time and pay, there is no shortage of reasons why truck drivers may decide to leave a carrier.

In this article, we will explore some of the most common causes that lead to truck driver turnover in order to help recruiters better understand what they can do to get more drivers and keep their employees happy and engaged.

Overview of the Truck Driver Shortage

The truck driver shortage has been an ongoing challenge for trucking companies and the transportation industry for years, and it was only further exacerbated by the global pandemic in 2020. According to the American Trucking Association, there was an estimated 80,000 truck driver shortage in 2021 which could potentially grow to 160,000 by 2030.

To address this growing gap, the industry will need to recruit over a million drivers in the next decade. This shortage has caused an immense strain on carriers, making it more important than ever for recruiters to understand why truck drivers may be leaving their carriers and what they can do to keep them engaged and motivated.

Common Reasons Drivers Leave

There are many reasons drivers leave carriers. Here are some common issues that contribute to a truck driver shortage:

Expectations Not Meeting the Job Description

One of the main reasons why truck drivers quit their carriers is because they feel that their expectations are not being met. Many carriers promise higher wages, better benefits, and more job security than what is actually offered. This can lead to a feeling of disappointment and frustration among younger drivers who were expecting more from their carrier. 

Additionally, some carriers do not provide adequate training or support for new truck drivers, which can cause them to become overwhelmed with the demands of the job.

Finally, many drivers find that there are too few routes available for them to make enough money or have enough flexibility in their work-life balance and schedule as desired. All these factors combined lead many truckers to look elsewhere for better opportunities and fairer working conditions.

Feelings of Unappreciation

Many truck drivers feel unappreciated when working with carriers. Often, they are not given respect or recognition for their hard work and dedication to the industry. This lack of appreciation can lead to feelings of frustration and resentment, leading them to look for other opportunities where they can feel valued.

Working as a truck driver is a demanding and sometimes thankless job. It can be difficult to make ends meet with long hours, a lack of time at home, and little appreciation from their employers. This causes many truck drivers to consider other opportunities that offer better pay and hours or reward them for their dedication.

At the end of the day, a carrier needs to show their employees appreciation for their hard work to ensure loyalty and dedication from their truck drivers. Recognizing their efforts with rewards, promotions, or simply a kind word can go a long way to attract CDL drivers and in keeping them happy and motivated to stay with the company.

Unsatisfied with Pay

One of the main reasons why truck drivers are leaving carriers is that they are unsatisfied with low pay. Oftentimes, they find that they are not being compensated fairly for the hours and risks that come with the job. This can range from inadequate base wages to a lack of bonuses or incentives. 

Drivers that have experienced any of these issues with their pay are likely to quit in search of a carrier who values and respects their work and provides the compensation they deserve. 

In order to retain drivers and keep them happy, it is important to emphasize fair wages, timely payments, and opportunities for bonuses and incentives. Doing so will demonstrate that you value your employees and will help to keep them satisfied with their job.

When recruiting drivers, it is important for companies to emphasize the value of driver compensation packages in order to attract high-quality candidates who are looking for safe, reliable, and financially viable job opportunities. By taking the time to listen to drivers’ pay concerns and addressing them head-on, you can help to ensure that the workforce is happy and loyal.

Not Enough Home Time

One of the main reasons why truck drivers are leaving their carriers is not having enough home time. Truck driving is a difficult profession, and it can be stressful if drivers don’t get adequate rest and relaxation at home. Drivers need to be away from home for long periods of time, but they also need to spend quality time with their family and friends, which is difficult to do when they’re constantly on the road.

If carriers provide drivers with enough home time and regular breaks from the road, it can help them stay more motivated and productive. Try to build a sense of community among your drivers so that they feel connected to the company even when they’re on the road. This can help to reduce turnover and make drivers feel like they have a place to call home away from home.

By providing more home time, you can show your respect and appreciation for drivers, as well as give them an opportunity to take care of themselves in between long hauls.

Poor Communication

Poor communication is one of the primary reasons why truck drivers leave carriers. Poor communication between a carrier and their employees can lead to feelings of being unappreciated or not valued. For example, poor communication may mean that truck drivers don’t receive feedback on their performance or updates on their paychecks in a timely manner.

This lack of information can lead to frustration, and in turn, truck drivers may choose to leave their carrier. In addition, ensure that you are providing clear job expectations and safety protocols which further communicate an understanding of the driver’s role within the organization. Good communication between the carrier and its truck drivers establishes trust and fosters a sense of security for both parties involved.

By taking proactive measures in communication, you can help build strong relationships with drivers that will ultimately lead to less attrition, driver retention, and improved retention of employees. Doing so will ensure truck drivers feel valued and respected within the organization, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty towards their carrier. Additionally, providing clear channels for open communication between both parties is key in fostering an environment of trust and understanding.

Maintaining Drivers as a Trucking Company with AllTruckJobs.com

It’s clear that truck drivers are leaving their carriers for a variety of reasons, from not enough home time to poor communication. As a trucking industry recruiter, it is important to address these concerns in order to attract high-quality candidates. Additionally, providing adequate home time and regular breaks from the road can help attract drivers, keeping them motivated and reducing turnover.

At AllTruckJobs.com, we understand the challenges recruiters face when trying to attract and retain quality truck drivers. Our platform makes it easy for carriers to post job openings in a matter of minutes, giving them access to thousands of qualified candidates from all over the country.

With our intuitive search filters, you can quickly find exactly what you’re looking for – whether that be experience level or home time availability. Plus, with our powerful analytics tools, you can track your recruiting progress and make sure you’re hitting your recruitment goals. Let us help make finding great truck drivers easier than ever before!