There’s a lot of talk within the trucking industry on whether there’s a driver shortage or a driver turnover problem. If there’s a driver shortage, this would mean there’s a shortage of individuals with CDLs. How many individuals in the USA have CDL Class A licenses? My guess is there are more people with a Class A CDL than there are Class A driving positions available. They’re just working in a non-driving industry. In my book, that’s not a shortage. Yet driver turnover rates exceed 100% in most trucking sectors. In the same book, that’s a turnover problem.

It’s been said to solve a problem you must first identify the problem—we have a Turnover problem right here in River City. That’s with a big ‘T’.

We’ve identified the problem, now what’s the solution? Well, we could strike up the band and parade down Main Street, announcing to everyone what the problem is and who’s at fault. Or we can do something about it.

The answer is simple! Two words: respect, and listen. And that’s a two-way highway. Respect needs to come from both the trucking companies’ side and the drivers’ side.

Trucking companies should listen to what the research and surveys report regarding the needs of drivers, and listen to what the drivers want and need. If you treat your drivers the same way you want your customers treated, you don’t have to concern yourself with how your customers are being treated. But, trucking company executives; how are you treating your drivers? And what’s the quality of your customer service when it comes to your drivers’ handling of this task? Trucking companies need to invest their hard-earned dollars in developing better relationships with their truckers, and spend far less in advertising to fill the vacancies occurring by neglecting their drivers. The trucking company that devises the pay model which provides weekly consistency in pay for their truckers; reduces or pays for on-duty not driving time, and allows for the drivers’ needed home time will reduce turnover to a very manageable level. By ignoring these issues, the trucking companies are being disrespectful to themselves, the truckers, the trucking industry and the nation.

Drivers are as equally responsible for the turnover quagmire. Drivers must understand completely what is expected of them by doing their homework before they start driving for a company. This means reading and comprehending all documents they’re expected to sign, and asking questions and getting answers to all issues and concerns that are important to themselves and families. Truckers need to be sure if it’s important, it’s put in writing, signed by all parties concerned and legally a part of the agreement. Drivers must be sure they don’t sign or agree to anything that seems too good to be true without having an attorney review the documents. The greatest reason for driver turnover is the misunderstanding of what is expected of the driver. This is because people tend to be optimists; hear only what they want to hear, and don’t really listen to the whole truth. To be sure every angle is covered, truckers need to enter negotiations with prospective trucking companies prepared with a list of questions covering all aspects of their trucking wants and needs. To do anything less is disrespectful to themselves, their families and the trucking company.

Isn’t it time in the trucking industry, to let bygones be bygones? Do away with the blame game and start working together: truckers and trucking companies, to elevate the industry beyond the level of Knights of the Road. It’s not a question of compromising; it’s a matter of resolving, to a point of win-win for both truckers and trucking companies. So who’s ready to be a real pioneer? Who’s willing to go where no trucker or trucking company has gone before?

Remember, it’s your company, your truck(s).