As I travel and make new contacts in the transportation industry, the subject of driver recruitment and best practices comes up almost every time. Many of these professionals ask, what is the “Magic Bullet” for recruiting quality drivers? The answer as most of you know, there is no magic bullet! It is a combination of best practices that will help in recruiting quality drivers.

The fact is that the pool of quality professional drivers is tightening on a daily basis. The senior drivers are retiring and the pace will only increase in the future. While these drivers are retiring at an increased pace, the entrance of new drivers into the market is not keeping pace. Also, the younger entrants into the driving pool look at trucking differently than the previous generations of drivers. Most of the generation available to enter the trucking industry does not see it as a desired or honorable profession. They also want better benefits, more home time and top pay from the start.

With all these factors involved, how do you attract quality drivers?

• Honesty: You must lay out the facts of the position. Do not sugar coat the position or promise anything that you can’t deliver. The driver will perceive this as dishonesty and will tell every driver he meets.
• Internet Based Recruiting: The public’s perception of a driver is an older guy with no computer skills.  Actually, drivers today are very tech savvy and prefer using the web to search for employment opportunities. Most also prefer to apply online.
• Friendly Engagement of the Candidate: How would you feel if you spoke to a recruiter and it seemed as if you were a bother and you were rushed to complete the process? Would this company be your first choice? You must take the time to build an honest line of communication with the candidate. Be friendly and courteous, listen to what they are looking for and most of all treat them with respect.
• Pay & Benefits: You do not have to be the highest paying company with the best benefits to attract Quality Drivers. You do have to offer a competitive wage for the market with competitive benefits.
• Equipment: The newer the equipment the better. Also the appearance and maintenance of the equipment matters greatly to professional drivers. Let’s face it, what is your impression of old beat up cars or trucks? Also with the CSA program, drivers know that they can’t afford to drive sub-standard equipment due to it affecting their CSA score.
• Family: If the driver candidate is truly interested in the position and you want to hire him, begin to treat him like family and value his insights. Listen and treat the driver as a valued member of your TEAM!

In closing, it is a combination of best practices that will work for your company. There is no Magic Bullet!