According to the American Trucking Associations, there are approximately 3.6 million professional truck drivers in the United States.¹ That number is only expected to grow as more people shop online and continue to work from home.
The best way to hire truck drivers for your logistics company is to look for professionals who embody qualities that ensure safety and efficiency.
7 Attributes that Make a Great Driver
There are many different qualities good truck drivers can attribute to their success, but these were the top seven we found were most prominent! We know from experience with our own drivers who have proven their expertise by making safe deliveries time and again.
1. Reliability
Sitting at number one on our list is reliability. You should be able to count on your truck drivers to get the deliveries to your customers on time. Be sure to conduct background checks to confirm they have a clean driving record and are not known for cutting corners or violating any traffic safety laws. A reliable truck driver meets their deadlines, follows company protocol, and delivers products in proper condition. Give your clients peace of mind knowing that their orders are in good hands by hiring a reliable truck driver.
During the driver recruiting process, ask interview questions focusing on their approach to defensive driving techniques, their experience with challenging road conditions, and their strategies for staying alert during long stretches behind the wheel.
2. Awareness
As you know, truck drivers aren’t driving Ford F150s; they’re hauling large amounts of goods in massive rigs. It can be a tough job that demands them to use all their senses. Some examples of being an alert truck driver are abiding by the speed limit, anticipating other drivers’ actions, using safety signals, and avoiding road rage. It is also essential that drivers be aware of the truck itself. Understanding the condition of their rig can save them the headache of a more severe problem down the road.
3. Communication and Customer Service Skills
Although their position requires them to be alone for hours on end, they have a lot of interaction with clients. Think about the truck drivers you hire as an extension of your team, transporting your goods from one client to another. A truck driver with good communication skills can help create lasting client relationships.
4. Excellent Navigation and Trip Planning Skills
In today’s world of GPS and route optimization software, strong navigational skills might seem less crucial. However, experienced drivers understand the value of being able to think critically and adjust to unexpected situations. Traffic jams, road closures, and detours are all realities on the road.
Look for candidates who demonstrate a strong understanding of trip planning principles. Can they anticipate potential delays and adjust routes accordingly? Can they read maps and navigate effectively, even without relying on GPS?
5. Adaptability
The road throws curveballs—bad weather, unexpected delays at loading docks, or even minor mechanical issues. The best truck drivers are those who can adapt to these situations calmly and resourcefully.
Look for candidates who can share past driving experiences where they had to think on their feet and find solutions. How did they handle unexpected challenges? Did they remain calm and professional under pressure?
6. Mechanical Skills
While not a must, basic mechanical knowledge can be a very valuable asset. Understanding how a truck operates helps drivers identify minor issues and perform preventative maintenance checks, which can prevent breakdowns and costly delays.
However, always prioritize safety over self-repair. Even with some mechanical knowledge, encourage drivers to seek professional help for any significant issues.
7. Physical and Mental Fitness
Truck driving demands both physical and mental stamina. Drivers need to be in good health to manage the long hours on the road. Physical fitness is essential for loading and unloading cargo, performing vehicle inspections, and enduring long periods of sitting. Ensuring that a candidate has a valid DOT medical card is a basic but crucial step in verifying their physical fitness.
Mental resilience is equally important. A truck driver job can be stressful and lonely, requiring drivers to cope with long periods of isolation, monotony, and the stress of navigating various road conditions and schedules. A mentally resilient driver can handle these challenges without compromising their performance or safety. The ability to remain focused and alert during long drives is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring timely deliveries.
Enhancing Job Appeal: How to Attract Truck Drivers with Essential Strategies
It’s one thing to know the qualities your ideal candidates should possess; it’s another to attract qualified candidates. Here are some strategies you can use in hiring truck drivers.
Showcase Your Company Culture
In today’s competitive job market, candidates want to see the benefits of working for a company. Ensure job descriptions show your trucking business’ unique perks. This may include competitive pay packages, comprehensive health insurance plans, home time programs, per diem allowances, flexible scheduling options, or paid time off.
Investing in well-maintained trucks with the latest safety features and driver comfort amenities is also important for attracting competent candidates. You should also create a culture of respect, open communication, and appreciation for drivers’ contributions to the company’s success. You can share positive testimonials from current drivers on your website and social media platforms to showcase this positive work environment.
Diversify Your Recruitment Channels
Don’t just rely on traditional job boards. Consider partnering with a staffing firm specializing in logistics driver recruitment to tap into their extensive network of pre-vetted candidates and streamline your recruitment process.
Social media marketing can also be a powerful tool. Run targeted campaigns on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. Showcase your workplace culture, driver testimonials, and career opportunities to attract potential candidates who might not be actively searching for a job.
Build relationships with local trucking schools to connect with recent graduates and potential candidates seeking career opportunities. You can also attend job fairs and industry conferences to network with a wider pool of competent candidates and showcase your company’s offerings directly.
Simplify the Application Process
There are different ways you can do this. First, ensure your online application process is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate. Many candidates use their phones to apply for jobs, so it’s important that your application system works well on mobile devices.
Second, offer multiple ways to apply. Provide options such as online forms, phone inquiries, and email submissions. This flexibility allows candidates to choose the method that works best for them.
Finally, clearly outline the hiring process. Explain the timelines and interview stages so candidates know what to expect. This transparency builds trust and encourages qualified individuals to apply.
Invest in Employee Referral Programs
Your current employees can be a valuable resource for attracting potential hires. These individuals already know everything about the company and are in the best position to tell who would be befitting for a vacancy. To encourage participation in referral programs, offer bonuses or rewards for referring drivers who get hired.
WE CAN CONNECT YOU WITH THE BEST DRIVERS IN A HEARTBEAT
At Spectra360, we care about matching our clients with the best truck drivers possible. When you partner with us, you can trust that each candidate is screened, tested, and vetted before they’re brought to you to make any further decisions. Book a free consultation with us today!
References
- “Economics and Industry Data.” American Trucking Associations, www.trucking.org/economics-and-industry-data.
