91ÊÓƵ

The latest economic report from ATA estimates the driver shortage to be over 60,000. What role has the pandemic played? Older drivers chose to retire while potential drivers found licensing difficult with the closure of state motor vehicles offices. The launch of the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse database also impacted the number of drivers on the road.

Truck driver recruitment and retention have been difficult this year, but providing financial security can be a huge incentive.

As the coronavirus pandemic took hold, it disrupted freight demand in many segments of the economy, forcing some carriers to furlough drivers while others were quick to hire those furloughed drivers as a way to swiftly onboard experienced commercial vehicle operators.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Fleets should include information on career path opportunities in their messages to prospective hires, according to data from Conversion Interactive Agency, an advertising firm that specializes in recruitment.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tim Norlin, vice president of driver employment at Roehl Transport, was named the Transport Topics Recruiting Professional of the Year on Feb. 21.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Truck driving students and military veterans are two key pipelines for bolstering the industry’s driver workforce, but fleets must take proper steps to effectively attract and support them, experts said.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Professional truck drivers advised recruiters to be realistic and honest as they develop relationships with prospective hires.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The condition of the truck a new hire is assigned to makes an important impression on that driver, according to Scott Dismuke, director of agents for the Professional Driver Agency.

Recent research concluded about one-third of newly hired drivers at a broad range of motor carriers failed to last 90 days, but experts agreed carriers could help stem the costly turnover.