How Advanced Technology Helps Driver Retention in Trucking Industry

Drivers are the backbone of the trucking industry and driver retention is one of the biggest concerns. Are you facing issues like driver shortage or driver retention? Advanced technology offers various solutions to transportation industry for such issues. Real-time monitoring, time-saving in shifts, better communication of drivers with managers, etc. simplify the work of drivers. Job dissatisfaction and operational inefficiencies are the major reasons why drivers leave the job. But this can be reduced, let’s see how.

How to improve the job satisfaction of drivers?Trucking industry relies on the drivers for navigating through complex routes to transport sensitive goods safely and on time. It is a hectic job already and hence it is necessary that the drivers are satisfied with their job. Or else they will leave the job which hampers the business profits. What efforts can be taken for retention of drivers?

Simplifying the Driver’s Work using TechnologyDrivers are constantly on the road. Traffic, bad weather conditions, etc. can be very irritating to them. However, using GPS systems, such conditions can be tracked proactively. The drivers can be directed to other routes which are having less traffic or some shifts can be canceled if the routes show bad weathers ahead. The drivers will not be annoyed by waiting for long hours and instead can take rest if the shifts are canceled due to bad weathers.

Automation and digitalization save time and efforts of the drivers. There are mobile apps which keep track of the load on the trucks. It saves the drivers of manual checking of load and also sends messages to the owners about the load. Also, in case of any theft or adding illegal loads to the truck, the owners can get instant messages right on their smartphones.

One such eminent example is the mobile app- Appweigh. It uses Bluetooth-enabled weight sensor to keep the track of the load on your truck. It is a budget-friendly app which combines the sensor and Bluetooth technology. Throughout the shipment of the trucks, the sensors detect the pressure on the tyres and clearly display the weight through AppWeigh on the smartphone of owners or fleet managers. The drivers don’t need to keep manual watch on the weight when the load reaches a certain destination. It is automatically sent to the owners.

Using IoT in Transportation for Better Communication and Time ManagementOpen communication with the drivers not only ensures transparency but also makes the drivers feel like true partners in the business. It encourages and engages them. Internet of things or IoT in transportation industry is playing a crucial role in connecting technology with people for more accurate results. It connects tools like sensors, RFID systems, GPS systems, smartphones, etc. to each other to gather vital data and communicate it to drivers and owners. Using this data, they can make informed decisions for improving various processes in fleet management. With such transparency, manual errors by drivers can be avoided and small issues can be discussed proactively before they turn into bigger problems.

Technology saves the drivers from keeping manual records of loads, timings, etc. as everything is automatically recorded. It reduces the stress of the drivers and ensures loyalty to the owners.

Making the Driver Health a PriorityDrivers’ health is the most critical topic when it comes to driver retention. A trucking industry can offer health benefits like health insurance plans, nutrition programs, free health screenings, etc. to drivers. Such benefits are an investment in your drivers. Also, the incorporation of smart cameras can reduce the risks of accidents. When the drivers feel safe and cared for their lives, your company reputation improves. They themselves will ask other drivers to join your company.

Giving Performance Incentives and Engaging DriversWhen drivers are appreciated and rewarded for their good work, it inspires them to do better and also be stable with your trucking industry. Financial incentive systems can be used to reward the most productive and safest drivers. Technology can be used to evaluate the drivers’ performance fairly. Real-time coaching and user-friendly solutions to any issues will help the drivers to progress faster and feel supported. The drivers who work hard to improve their performance can be awarded with the performance incentives. This will also encourage and engage fellow drivers. 

ConclusionSmart technologies are providing highly efficient solutions to transportation industry. Along with driver retention, these technologies help in real-time visibility of the processes, maintaining the vehicle health, improving warehouse and yard management, etc. which enormously boost the business profits. IoT in transportation industry provides robust security services to drivers as well as the freight. Reliable data that owners get from smart technical solutions lets them take the right decisions to maintain their workforce. It enhances driver satisfaction and retention rates.