The shortage of truck drivers has been an ongoing issue in the industry for some time now, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only made things more complicated. For fleets, the goal is to attract drivers and keep those they have onboard, and that requires using all available tools at your disposal. It means making your fleet a place drivers want to work: having a maintenance program that effectively keeps trucks on the road, using late-model trucks with the latest technologies and creature comforts, and fostering a safe work environment.
Maintenance and upkeep
Arguably one of the most important aspects of a fleet is how it maintains its vehicles. Whether maintenance is handled in-house, by a third-party, or through a full-service lease (for more information on fleet vehicle leases, see the sidebar on p. 28), upkeep of the trucks has a major impact on drivers.
No driver wants to be left stranded on the side of the road dealing with an engine derate or something even more serious. Therefore, it is imperative fleets have a maintenance department that performs preventive maintenance (PM) at the proper intervals and tracks vehicle issues in an attempt at predictive maintenance.
It is also important that the fleet encourages open communication between drivers and the maintenance department. Drivers spend the most time with the vehicle out of anyone, so they tend to get to know it better than anyone else. They are able to distinguish when something feels a bit “off,” and can communicate that to the maintenance department the next time the vehicle is at home base.
No matter how maintenance is handled, it has to be done so in a constructive way that keeps vehicles operating at peak performance. This is not only a smart financial move for the fleet itself, but it also helps drivers feel more comfortable knowing they will not be stranded unexpectedly or have to wait while their truck is down for unscheduled maintenance.
Newer trucks
Since drivers spend the vast majority of their time in the cab of the truck, it makes sense to have the most comfortable vehicles possible. Fleets using late model trucks with all the newest technologies and features can attract drivers, and the knowledge that trucks are replaced before they get too old can keep them happy where they are.
Newer driver technologies such as automated manual transmissions can attract drivers who don’t know how or don’t want to learn to drive a manual. Advanced driver assistance systems such as lane monitoring, adaptive or predictive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring help drivers operate more safely. The latest in-cab infotainment systems allow drivers to stay entertained with their latest podcasts or music playlists.
For some fleets, that means buying new trucks every two, three, or four years, depending on the length of routes and mileage accumulated. For fleets who lease it’s an even easier prospect since lease terms typically run out before a truck gets too old, anyway. Whatever the case, keeping a fleet fresh shows drivers their comfort and safety is important.
A safe environment
The definition of a safe working environment has changed drastically in the last three months. Since the COVID-19 pandemic took the world by surprise, making a workplace safe means taking extra health precautions.
Creating social distancing space in public spaces is a major consideration in areas such as work terminals and in the bay. It is also important to offer and encourage the use of protective measures such as hand sanitizer, face masks, and rubber gloves. While drivers may not spend a lot of time at home base, these measures help show that the fleet takes the health of its employees seriously.
The trucking industry and the world as we know it are changing, and that means employers need to change with it. Offering sensitivity to employees who may be concerned about their health shows that a company cares about more than its bottom line. These new practices shouldn’t take much effort to implement, but combined with a strong maintenance program and frequently refreshed vehicles, can help attract new drivers and keep existing ones with the fleet.
About the Author
David Brierley
Editor | Fleet Maintenance
David Brierley is a former editor of Fleet Maintenance magazine.
Brierley’s education and career have been based in the publishing industry. He is an award-winning writer and comes from a background in automotive, trucking, and heavy equipment. Brierley joined the Endeavor Business Media vehicle repair group in 2017 as managing editor for Fleet Maintenance, PTEN, and Professional Distributor magazines, as well as VehicleServicePros.com. In his current role, he writes for and oversees production of Fleet Maintenance magazine. He has worked in the publishing industry since 2011.