How to Retain Drivers and Make Them More Productive

3 Ways to Help Drivers Stay Productive and Connected

Labor turnover rates in the transportation industry have been consistently high for many years, reaching as high as 91% within the last decade. However, to fully understand this persistent problem, one must look back at the litany of challenges.

E-commerce’s rapid growth has coincided with mass labor shortages and evolving logistics regulations. As compliance within the trucking industry shifts and demand grows, researchers note a 21% decrease in median wages, further fueling turnover rates. Other factors such as stress, loneliness, and lack of rest also contribute to frequent turnover and low retention rates. With the holiday surge just around the corner, transportation and logistics (T&L) companies must prioritize retention strategies to prevent delays and exacerbated costs.

Keeping teams united despite distance can help alleviate stress and loneliness while alerting them of any changes in demand. To accomplish this, many T&L companies are encouraged to…

1. Simplify technology usage – Automation has long been one of the top solutions to many supply chain issues. However, as new systems are introduced, complex training may stifle benefits. Therefore, automation experts recommend integrating user-friendly devices to minimize training time and accelerate stress-free adoption. For example, handheld devices with software solutions like ShipRight by ProCat simplify driver training and reduce frustration.
2. Prioritize driver safety standards – It is estimated that 79% of fatal vehicle accidents involve a large truck. While drivers are pressured to quickly deliver shipments, safety should never be compromised. As new technologies and systems are added to the fleet, priority should be given to hands-free solutions to keep drivers’ eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
3. Eliminate manual logging – Manual data tracking can create gaps in information due to errors and illegible handwriting. The inability to retrieve accurate information on time adds to worker stress since they must spend more time searching and updating files to avoid fines and noncompliance. Electronic logging devices (ELDs), such as rugged tablets, digitize data capture and sharing to provide real-time workflow visibility, route changes, and demand forecasting on one digital platform.

These are only a few ways transportation companies have sought to protect productivity and lower retention rates. To learn more about how you can empower productivity in your fleet, contact Procat for a step-by-step assessment of your current workflows.