Driver-retention rate improves

By Staff -- Logistics Management, 9/1/1998

In good times and bad, one of the most persistent problems for truckload motor carriers has been retaining good drivers. Now, a survey of truckload and tank-truck carriers suggests that driver-retention rates finally may be improving. The Truckload Carriers Association reports that a survey of its members and those of the National Tank Truck Carriers Association found that more than half of the companies that responded reported that driver retention had improved since 1995.

Their success in keeping drivers on the payroll appears to have resulted from a number of management efforts. TCA says the most effective tactics, as ranked by survey respondents, are:

* Showing genuine concern for drivers;

* Treating drivers with respect and appreciation;

* Improving dispatchers' attitudes toward drivers;

* Increasing friendliness of managers toward drivers; and

* Getting drivers home more frequently.

One other interesting note: Increasing annual pay ranked 10th on the list.