America’s truck drivers keep our country moving. They’re a vital part of nearly every sector of the U.S. economy, delivering raw materials, medicine, food and much more to roughly 80% of U.S. communities.
Events like National Truck Driver Appreciation Week — celebrated annually in September — are an excellent opportunity for trucking companies to show support for drivers. However, beyond showing public support, it’s critical to provide drivers with the support they need to do their jobs.
Read on to learn more about what that support can look like, how your company can show its appreciation for drivers year-round and why doing so benefits everyone.
Tip #1: Understand Everything Your Drivers Do
Fleet owners and managers know that a truck driver’s job goes beyond simply getting from point A to point B. That’s why leaders need to take time to learn from their drivers' experiences.
What you’ll learn is that each driver has a unique experience that is very valuable for the entire operation. Further, you'll likely discover how to manage each driver, from highly trained professionals who require minimal oversight to new drivers who may need more communication and guidance.
Tailoring how you work with each driver is not only better for business, but it also shows that you care.
Tip #2: Listen and Understand Drivers' Pain Points
It's important to remember that communication is a two-way street. You shouldn’t just talk to your drivers — you should also listen to them when they tell you about their needs and concerns.
The reality is that both long- and short-haul trucking are high-stress, physically demanding jobs that take an immense physical and emotional toll on individuals. Lending an empathetic ear when drivers need it can go a long way toward building loyalty and trust.
Common Pain Points for Truck Drivers
Time Away from Loved Ones
OTR truckers sacrifice a lot, often spending days or weeks away from home at a time. Beyond missing important family events, this lifestyle can also mean long periods of isolation with little downtime.
How to Help: Check with these drivers regularly and ensure their needs are met to help prevent burnout.
Unrealistic Expectations
Because most truckers deal with tight delivery schedules and are paid on a per-mile basis, they may feel added pressure and stress to make their deliveries as quickly as possible.
How to Help: It’s important to remember that your drivers are not machines and that their health and well-being should be your priority, even if it means occasional delays.
Health Challenges
The stress that drivers feel and the fast-paced nature of trucking can also lead to chronic health issues like back pain, high blood pressure, obesity and more.
How to Help: While you can’t control the eating and exercise habits of your drivers, your company can provide them with resources and education to help them make informed choices while on the road.
Inconsistent Maintenance Policies
Neglecting maintenance on your vehicles will lead to more breakdowns and equipment failures, and drivers will suffer the consequences of waiting for repairs without pay.
How to Help: This pain point is easily avoidable by creating preventive maintenance schedules and using technology that tracks vehicle maintenance.
Tip #3: Reward Drivers’ Performance and Loyalty
To truly show appreciation for your drivers, it’s essential to reward those who do high-quality work and have remained with the company for several years.
Think about how much time your company invests in training these individuals and building relationships. Then think about how hard it can be to find qualified candidates that fit your company’s core values and culture.
By showing true, year-round appreciation to people who give so much to your company, you’re more likely to retain devoted employees and maintain a good workplace culture.
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