There are almost half a million fleets in the US, each owning a minimum of 5 vehicles.
While fleets come in a variety of shapes, from commercial cars to trucks, it makes no doubt that trucks dominate the landscape. With over 38 million commercial trucks registered in the US, these transport every year 11 billion tons of freights. To put it into perspective, this is approximately 72% of the total domestic tonnage shipped. Trucks are central to the US economy.
It’s easy to overlook the unsung heroes behind the wheel: the drivers. Yet, these individuals are the lifeblood of any fleet operation. As a fleet business, it doesn’t matter how much you are investing in your vehicles, if you don’t pay attention to your drivers.
The critical role of drivers in business operations
If you fail your drivers, you fail your business. Unlike trucks, which cannot operate autonomously, drivers are indispensable.
They are the ones bringing your trucks to destination and ensuring that you can reach your customers. Whether they are maneuvering through traffic, navigating unpredictable weather conditions, or ensuring that deliveries are made promptly, drivers are absolutely central to any commercial fleet.
Without skilled drivers at the helm, even the most advanced trucks would be rendered immobile, unable to fulfill their intended purpose. Thus, supporting fleet drivers isn’t just an option—it’s imperative for business success. This has been a tough lesson for many trucking businesses during the pandemic. Indeed, as trucking costs have increased, companies have tried to recoup their fees wherever they could, which meant keeping drivers’ wages low to survive. Unfortunately, this is a counterproductive approach and many drivers have been quick to walk out. And what happens to a trucking business that doesn’t have any drivers? It is forced to shut down. In other words, prioritizing trucks before drivers is a harmful strategy. Instead, fleet businesses need to consider how they can support their drivers.
Equipping drivers for emergency situations
Providing drivers with the right tools for emergency repairs is not only beneficial for their safety but also for the efficiency of your business operations.
While they may not need to replace a mechanic, equipping drivers with a basic toolkit allows them to address minor issues on the road, such as extinguishing a small engine fire—especially crucial if they transport inflammable goods.
A well-prepared driver with a basic toolkit can swiftly respond to emergencies, minimizing downtime and ensuring the timely delivery of goods. Besides, they can also manage their own safety, as unexpected truck issues can expose them to opportunist criminals on the road. Remember, this is never about getting the truck fixed for free. It is about ensuring your driver can act fast so they can quickly take the truck to a safe location for professional repairs.
Comprehensive training programs for driver development
Investing in a full training program as part of managing drivers in a fleet is a proactive approach that yields numerous benefits. By ensuring that your drivers are adequately trained to handle vehicles in your fleet safely, you mitigate the risk of accidents and injuries, protecting both your workforce and your assets. This is especially important when hiring new drivers or purchasing new vehicles.
Additionally, leveraging tracking solutions enables you to identify areas for improvement and tailor training programs to address their specific needs.
Strategic scheduling
Strategic scheduling that respects drivers’ needs is not just a nicety—it’s an imperative. Fleet businesses must recognize the role of breaks and rest on long journeys, as well as the significance of regular time off-road after a long journey.
Beyond fostering a positive work environment, when you prioritize drivers’ needs, you ensure they remain alert and focused on the road. This goes towards reducing the risk of fatigue-related incidents and turnover. Ultimately, a well-rested and satisfied driver is more likely to stay with your company, contributing to overall business continuity and success.
Empowering drivers through feedback
Giving drivers a voice and actively soliciting their feedback is a powerful tool for business improvement. You can draw on their real-world experience. Indeed, drivers can provide invaluable insights into various aspects of operations, from vehicle performance to route optimization and cargo handling.
Whether it’s identifying opportunities for efficiency gains or flagging potential safety hazards, involving drivers in decision-making processes fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
Drivers are the backbone that holds trucking businesses together. Recognizing their pivotal role and implementing strategies to support them effectively is not just a matter of goodwill—it’s a smart business move. After all, when it comes to the success of your fleet, the driver truly reigns supreme.
