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How to Retain Your Top Drivers During a Shortage

This past year came with several challenges and transformed the shipping industry in more ways than one. Since July, truckload rates are up 40-50% and rising due to retailers’ attempts to restock their inventory to meet the heightened demand. With these businesses reopening and the need for shipping at an all-time high, now is the perfect time for truckers to find multiple offers for work.

However, despite the wealth of opportunities for drivers, many companies are experiencing high turnover rates. Not only that, but the industry is facing a driver shortage that many professionals feared at the start of the pandemic. While these scenarios don’t seem ideal for operators, there are ways to ensure driver retention. Here are some best practices for retaining your best drivers. 

→ Finding the fix for the national driver shortage 

1. Invest in your drivers.

In most industries, having the best equipment and supplies is essential to running a successful business and retaining employees. Inadequate equipment and low maintenance are significant reasons why many truckers are abandoning their fleets and employers. 

It’s proven that when companies provide new equipment and proper maintenance, drivers can work more and, in turn, earn more money. If your goal is to keep your employees on and happy, you may want to consider investing in them and the tools they need to succeed. 

The top investments to make include:

  • Newer truck models. 
  • Comfortable seating.
  • Auxiliary power units (APUs).

2. Set clear communication standards.

Many would agree that establishing communication standards is key to having a healthy work environment and a functioning team. In the trucking industry, clear and concise communication is invaluable. To improve retention and team-building, opt for two-way communication with direct channels and consider instilling committees to handle any feedback or peer input to allow for internal cohesion. Over time, you will see improved efficiency and excellent communication skills.

→ Employment Challenges Facing the Trucking Industry 

3. Offer competitive pay.

Possibly the most obvious way to retain your drivers is through competitive pay. Many owners and operators found pay to be the single factor that drives retention downward. Try offering pay based on a guaranteed minimum mile per week versus the non-reliable high pay per mile. A set mileage will provide your drivers with more stability and keep them happy and willing to do their job. You should also consider offering health insurance packages and/or retirement plans, depending on the size of your fleet. The more you can contribute financially; the more inclined your drivers are to maintain their loyalty.

4. Prioritize health.

Approximately 50% of drivers consider their health one of their top three concerns when considering joining a new fleet. That being said, it’s essential to promote good health by equipping all trucks with functional exercise equipment, offering wellness programs that encourage healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle, and scheduling free health screenings for all drivers. These screenings will ensure optimal health and act as preventative care that keeps your drivers on the road and out of the doctor’s office.

→ Staying Healthy on the Road

5. Set realistic expectations.

When it comes to any job, transparency and clear expectations are a must; this standard does not change in the transportation industry. Within the first 90 days of employment, drivers will be able to tell if a job is genuinely how it was described, meaning misrepresented positions could lead to higher turnover rates. To avoid this, be upfront with new drivers about the number of miles they can anticipate, compensation, and company culture. 

Another way to ensure retention is by instructing recruiters to provide accurate information when finding fleet operators. Instead of paying your recruiters on a “per hire” basis, offer a flat salary to encourage finding the best candidates instead of collecting drivers like bounties.

6. Support your employees.

Lastly, be sure to reward your drivers’ performances. Offering support and encouragement may seem fickle, but it can be the difference between a semi-operational and fully operational fleet. Experts have gathered that a 10% raise could cure the current driver shortage, although many drivers say that a simple show of appreciation could hold the same power as a raise or promotion.

It’s true, a supportive company culture can lead to excellence through and through. Instruct your fleet managers to monitor your drivers’ key performance indicators or KPIs and their performance through data-driven observations, such as positive customer reviews. You should also consider implementing safe driver programs that reward your fleet operators for minimal idling and safe driving practices.

Where Did All of the Trucks Go?

Inventory Shortage Continues to Disrupt the Auto Industry

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected numerous industries and led to several issues, including a vehicle shortage that has rocked the automotive industry. To combat financial loss due to global shutdowns, dealers pushed incentives and financing offers to encourage buyers. Once government stimulus checks were distributed, consumers were more than happy to invest in new and used rigs. While this feeding frenzy helped dealers keep their heads above water during the stay-at-home orders, they didn’t anticipate a global microchip shortage that would cause significant production delays upon reopening. 

With this supply not keeping pace with demand, and manufacturers prioritizing smaller vehicles for individual buyers, commercial fleet operators are left feeling the sting from this shortage. So, what can we expect moving forward? Let’s find out. 

-> Used Truck Prices Continue to Skyrocket

What’s causing the vehicle shortage?

There are a few things responsible for the current state of the automotive industry. For starters, the microchips used in many vehicle components are manufactured overseas, with Taiwan contributing 63%, South Korea at 18%, and China at 6%. With the world being globally affected by the pandemic, many manufacturing plants ceased production until cases slowed down. Natural disasters have also impacted the domestic inventory. In February of 2021, Texas was forced to halt production and close a Samsung plant due to severe freezing.

Aside from the microchip insufficiency, dealers have also played a role in this vehicle shortage. At the start of the pandemic, many sellers struggled to move inventory due to quarantine restrictions and stay-at-home orders. Instead of losing their businesses, they chose to offer extreme incentives and too-good-to-be-true financing plans. Unfortunately, they kept these deals running for a little too long, and their inventory was cleared out or severely depleted. And before the stock was able to circulate back into the lots, the semiconductor shortage hit and took down new vehicle production with it. So, where do we go from here?

-> How the Gas Shortage has Affected the Trucking Industry

How is the auto industry responding?

As we navigate the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturers and the U.S. government are working to solve this shortage issue. Below, we will break down their plans.

  • Automaker Action Plan: Currently, automakers are working to fulfill dealers’ needs and buyers’ wants by continuing to build out vehicles and forgoing the components that require the semiconductor microchip. Manufacturers are also allocating what they have in the way of microchips to high-demand vehicles and adjusting the availability of certain automobile features, packages, and options. While this action plan offers some much-needed relief, it is not enough to solve commercial fleet operators’ problems. 
  • Government Action Plan: Fortunately, the U.S. government recognized the geopolitical nature of this scarcity and acted early in resolving the issue. With the majority of the microchips being produced in China and Korea, our government needed to invest in domestic semiconductor production to regain the upper hand in inventory levels, which is precisely what they did. The U.S. Senate passed a $190 billion legislation package to compete with foreign tech, with $54 billion allocated to domestic manufacturing of semiconductors and telecommunication equipment. While the bill still needs to survive the House of Representatives, President Biden has voiced his support for the bill.

When will fleet inventory return to normal?

Within the first half of 2021, auto sales have mostly recovered despite the technology shortage. Unfortunately, the sales of commercial vehicles have not responded in the same manner. So far, only 14% of vehicles were sold to fleet consumers. Now, automakers are having to prioritize microchip distribution to recuperate inventory levels. Many are allocating supplies to higher-end models and leaving commercial operators at the mercy of a waiting list.

Moving forward, it’s unlikely that we will ever surpass the industry’s previous standards or return to normal inventory levels. According to industry insiders, the microchip shortage could last another four months, and while recovery efforts are vast, they’re not enough to meet the ever-increasing demand. However, companies and manufacturers are predicting supply improvements by the first quarter of 2022. While there is no sure way of knowing the exact numbers, operators should be prepared to face this shortage until 2023. 

-> Owner Operator’s Guide to Financing During a Pandemic

Post-Pandemic Era for the Freight Industry?

The COVID-19 pandemic will surely go down in history as one of the most chaotic times the world has ever experienced. Essential workers sacrificed their health and stretched themselves thin for the American people, spending many hours away from their homes to meet the increasing pressure brought on by restrictions and regulations. 

As people begin recovering from the effects of the pandemic and vaccines are distributed throughout communities, many industries are forced to relook at how they handle business. So, what does this mean for the trucking industry in this post-pandemic era? 

Why Fleets are Experiencing 2021 Prosperity

Since the beginning of the pandemic, consumers have continuously relied on online platforms for their wants and needs. And as businesses open back up, many flock to the sight of normalcy, leaving companies in need of constant supply. This consistent demand has fallen on the backs of truckers nationwide and has many freight companies stretched thin. 

In May alone, total spending on freight surged to a record 50% year over year, while shipping volumes swelled to a whopping 35%, making this year the second-highest index level ever recorded. “It’s safe to say the pandemic recovery is progressing much faster than the recovery from the Great Recession,” according to the Cass Freight Index.

However, this overwhelming need has ultimately led to an intense growth in domestic shipping rates, and in turn, a shortage in freight vehicles and drivers. With consumerism at an all-time high, the demand for technological advances, logistical adaptations, and competitive packages are needed within the trucking industry now more than ever.

->*Used Truck Prices Continue to Skyrocket 

Technological and Logistical Adaptations

During COVID-19, the logistics were constantly changing, leaving fleet operators looking for the most efficient way to deliver goods. Fleet carriers, suppliers and drivers were forced to adopt new technologies in order to communicate and operate.

Support teams scrambled to set up shop from their new home offices, onboarding and training employees in tandem on complex software applications to optimize routes, and learn contactless payment systems to reduce exposure. 

All the headaches and changes have to lead to a safer, happier, and more productive supply chain and delivery system. The dream of being able to bump the docks and roll onto the next load and enjoy the high tide of “The Era of Post COVID Trucking” is alive as well. 

The Future Looks Bright

“We’re just in the beginning stages of this very robust recovery,” said Bob Costello, chief economist at American Trucking Associations. “Some younger people have never seen an economy grow like this before,” he said. “People in their 20s and early 30s have never seen anything like this over a sustained per­iod of time.”

The trucking industry will continue to experience growth in the coming months as long as fleets continue to hire more drivers and balance out the supply and demand issue. Enticing workers to become professional drivers will be (and has been) the primary obstacle for the freight market.

“I’m hopeful that we’ll start seeing people come back into the job market … and we get a closer balance between supply and demand, and that holds up in ’22 so that we don’t see rates come down too substantially and put the market into another freight recession like we saw in 2019,” said Hugh Ekberg, CEO of diversified carrier CRST.  

Want more news like this?

*Improving Fulfillment Efficiency During a Pandemic

5 Most Common Truck Problems and Repairs

With the need to meet the ever-increasing “just-in-time” demand for delivery timelines, changing logistics, and sweating the assets in longer life cycles of duty, it’s easy to slack on the preventive maintenance schedule.  

As an operator, having the best tools in your toolbox to solve common problems and knowing when to make needed repairs is the key to meeting your target’s deadlines and keeping your rig rolling on schedule. That means that you’ve got to know all about the requirements of truck repair. Let’s explore some of the more common repairs that fleet operators see with today’s trucks.

1. ENGINE OVERHEATING

An overheated engine can cause many residual effects on a truck. For example, the issue might be a blown gasket, or something related to the fuel tank. Regardless, over time, this can lead to engine failure if the problem is left too long. Therefore, working with a maintenance professional is crucial to review and address signs of overheating on your vehicle. In the long term, this can prevent failure at a critical time and save you big bucks.

On average, here is what you will pay for “check engine” related repairs per state:

TOP 10 MOST EXPENSIVE STATES

California$410.73
Connecticut$406.49
Colorado$403.03
D.C.$400.68
Utah$395.86
Georgia$395.05
New Jersey$389.23
Montana$388.71
Tennessee$388.13
Virginia$387.76
Data: Forbes

2. STARTER FAILURE

Starter mechanisms should be reviewed more often as the colder weather approaches. Starter failure can become a common problem in the winter months. Clear signs of issues with a starter will likely be noticed by the operator first, and the ignition will only get worse as the temperature outside gets colder. During the motor start phase, nonessential components (such as radios) should be turned off in order to diagnose the problem.

*Read 5 Tips for Winterizing your semi-truck.

3. U-JOINT FAILURE

U-joints are necessary for power to transfer to the differentiator from the transmission. The U-joints must be lubricated to minimize wear and tear, and if the U-joint is about to fail, a driver may notice a clicking sound. Another sign of imminent U-joint failure can be vibrations at higher speeds. If a driver experiences either of these signs, at the earliest convenience, the U-joint has to be replaced.

4. BRAKE ISSUES

A comprehensive strategy for brake maintenance is critical. On a regular basis, likely due to the pressure from today’s larger payloads, modern trucks frequently experience issues with brake pedals or the braking system. Brake fluid leaks and even total brake failure can occur if trucks have not been maintained effectively. Fortunately, if one brake fails, the independent brake system still allows the driver to stop using the other brakes.

5. WHEEL BEARINGS & TIRES

In order for your wheel to move along the road with as little friction as possible, important components called wheel bearings are necessary. While they’re moving, if the driver notices an unusual amount of noise generated from the wheel wells, the bearings could be degraded. Another sign could be unstable road movements or a jerking feeling of the truck. Even if your tires are properly inflated, these types of problems are extremely common. Make sure to always replace worn out tires and keep plenty of spares on deck.

*Read 7 Crucial Tips for Tire Maintenance and Repair!

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Federal safety regulations require all semi-trucks to have a full inspection by a qualified inspector annually. The inspection must meet the federal guidelines, performed by someone with the proper training, certifications, and experience.

*Check out these Tips For Staying in Compliance

Having a five-plus year plan of what you will need to replace could aid in planning and avoiding a show-stopping price tag. In addition, with the current post-COVID-19 climate, finding OEM assets required can be challenging in an emergency. Being prepared and aware of your options can be very critical in a crisis.

Semi-truck maintenance can be expensive and unpredictable, but it’s a necessary evil that comes with ownership. It’s tempting to put off repairs until damage occurs, but regular maintenance is crucial to preventing more severe problems down the road.

Want more information? Check out our blog, Everything You Need to Know About Annual Semi-Truck Maintenance.

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What We Can Learn From Amazon Prime Day

Supply Chain Lessons to Remember

Amazon Prime Day has become one of the most popular shopping days of the year, growing since its inception in 2015 to rival Black Friday when it comes to money spent and overall excitement among consumers looking for deals.

The annual Amazon shopping extravaganza provides an opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses to increase sales and promote their goods in front of a larger audience. While Amazon Prime Day helps create excitement and generate revenue, it also challenges the global supply chain, which has been under increasing stress for the past two years.

From a lack of certain raw materials to a shortage of truck drivers, along with lingering issues from the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chains struggle to keep pace. These problems become exacerbated during busier times, causing further delays and item shortages.

While the supply chain struggles can – in many ways – be traced directly to the pandemic and the ensuing fallout, there are lessons that parts of the supply chain, retailers, and even consumers can learn from this time to improve performance in the future and to better plan for surges.

Lessons for Retailers

Prime Day is estimated to have brought in $10.4 billion globally in 2020 alone, according to Digital Commerce 360.

Retailers will want to ensure they have as much inventory as possible, although that can be difficult for smaller companies. These businesses may not have the available cash flow to purchase additional inventory months in advance or have the resources to store excess products.

Part of this issue can be mitigated through predictive analytics. Retailers can try to use past sales records, predicted sales, estimated marketing impact, and other important metrics to better gauge the number of supplies that will be needed. While this is an imperfect science, it can provide retailers with a way to better plan for these surges in activity to ensure customers are happy.

For retailers that find themselves falling short on deliveries, it is critical to remain in communication with customers. Let those that made a purchase know of possible delays before a sale is made and make every effort to keep them informed as to potential delays in their delivery. Customers will be more understanding if they know beforehand that delays are likely and will feel more at ease if they feel informed throughout the process.

Additional Supply Chain Issues

To stay in step, shippers, carriers and other members of the supply chain should closely align themselves with the operations of business and vendors. They can do so using business intelligence software as part of an enterprise resource planning solution to better forecast potential hiccups. These systems can help track available resources, following the movement of products and purchasing trends, along with allowing for time to switch gears if needed. While there is no perfect solution, advanced technologies can help supply chain members stay on top of the latest needs to anticipate problems in the future.

Supply chain firms should also understand the changing global economic environment. Even as shoppers begin to return to stores, e-commerce delivery will remain a priority. Businesses should better anticipate large online shopping holidays such as Target Deal Days. These events help drive increases in business volume and have grown in importance as more consumers become comfortable shopping online.

Consumers still expect their e-commerce shipments to arrive in a timely manner. While delays could be expected during the pandemic, consumers have also grown accustomed to same-day service from some retailers. The speed at which merchants can get goods to consumers will be one of the most critical factors of their success.

The Ongoing Driver Shortage

For trucking companies, the ongoing challenge remains staffing. The trucking industry has struggled to employ enough drivers to meet demand, causing additional stress on the supply chain and delivery. Trucking organizations continue to make recruiting pitches to drivers – in particular highlighting the safety and security of truck driving – but still, find themselves in need of qualified applicants.

Both retailers and delivery providers need to plan for these spikes in demand. The logistics ecosystem features many pieces that right now face several obstacles. Businesses cannot just assume the system will work without a hitch. There must be planning and organization to ensure that retailers have the raw goods needed to make their goods and that those goods can be delivered to customers once complete. Customers will have some patience, but businesses – and the logistics companies that support them – should not get too comfortable.

Want more content like this? Check out our other articles!

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How the Gas Shortage has Affected the Trucking Industry

In mid-May, a cyber attack on the Colonial Pipeline shut down fuel delivery to a large part of the Eastern United States. Gas stations across that particular part of the country reported greatly reduced supplies and, in some cases, complete outages of fuel. This shortage resulted in long lines at those gas stations that still had fuel, along with limitations on how much gas consumers could purchase at one time. While the cyberattack was an isolated incident and resolved in about a week, the outage had an undeniable effect on consumers. 

In particular, it raised and re-raised ongoing concerns about how the trucking industry’s struggle to transport fuel—due to a lack of drivers and a rise in insurance premiums—has impaired the industry’s capabilities.

The Colonial Pipeline shutdown received national attention, but many areas already suffer from gas shortages that can raise prices for all consumers. This shortage has nothing to do with consumers but more about the lack of available truck drivers who can haul fuel combined with irrational consumer behavior. Let’s look at this challenge to try to figure out some possible solutions.

Understanding Fuel Challenges

The nation relies on truckers to keep gas stations regularly filled, but the ability for truckers to do so has decreased due to several reasons. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated several of these trends. 

With more people no longer commuting to work and a drop in vehicle use for things like vacations, the demand for gasoline was cut in half in April 2020. This lack of demand forced some drivers in the fuel-hauling sector to either change to more stable routes or leave the industry altogether.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that the trucking industry lost 88,300 jobs during this time, adding to the tens of thousands of driver vacancies already in place. The driver shortage created a difficult dynamic. While trucking companies surely utilized fewer drivers during the pandemic, they now find themselves struggling to refill those voids as fuel needs again increase. After all, it is not like there are drivers simply sitting at home waiting for an assignment. The fuel-hauling fleet finds itself desperately in need of drivers without enough interested applicants.

Additionally, a Truckload Carriers Association poll found that insurance premiums skyrocketed an average of 15% for members last year. For some smaller carriers, this increase forced them to shut down, further lowering the available driver pool.

Potential Help on the Way?

The DRIVE-Safe Act, a piece of proposed legislation that if passed would incorporate more safety technology into driving, has brought hope to some in the industry. 

The act includes several mandates that would improve the overall safety of truck driving—and experts believe this could entice potential drivers. Some of these mandates include apprentice programs for commercial driver’s license holders under the age of 21, active braking collision mitigation systems, forward-facing cameras, adaptive cruise control, and speed governors.

These technologies not only make driving easier, they exonerate drivers during accidents. Young people are more accustomed to devices tracking their activity and may be intrigued by the “gamified” experience fleets can create.

The act will also help put to bed the notion that truckers work incredibly long hours on the road without rest. Instead, prospective employees will know they can expect to work in a highly regulated and safe environment that puts them and their safety first. This will help alleviate some of the problems truckers face.

Supply & Demand of Gasoline

The price of gas traditionally increases at the beginning of summer as fuel companies provide a different blend that produces less smog. This change, combined with more motorists on the road taking vacations, reduces the overall supply and can cause prices to increase. The price of fuel stayed relatively low and stable last year as drivers largely remained at home during the summer months. Historically, though, this time of year has featured higher prices. 

As some states like Colorado complain of shortages now, the reason comes more from consumers than supply. While there are fewer truckers on the road, there is still enough gas for those wanting to fill-up. The problem occurs when drivers anticipate a shortage and fuel up before their tank is empty, leading to a rush at the pumps.

Until more truck drivers return to the road, this will be an ongoing problem. For motorists, the key is to only fill up when necessary and avoid purchasing unnecessary fuel that will not be immediately used.

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