A cab is two things at once: An office and a home. Would you tolerate an uncomfortable home or inconvenient workspace? Likely not. Truck drivers don’t like the truck-cab equivalent, either.
We’ve been talking a lot about how to attract and retain new drivers. As the discussion swirls around the type of person, maybe we should be talking about the type of equipment.
Fleets looking to attract new talent should take a look at what’s being offered by way of the vehicle. Obviously, a luxurious vehicle is far more appealing than one that’s not.
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Let’s Be Reasonable
Okay, maybe we are being a bit too harsh. To be fair, you can’t find a lot of serious faults with today’s modern driving equipment, especially when compared to the trucks of yesteryear.
The luxury seats from 30 or 40 years ago would have a hard time competing with the stock seats of today. Modern trucks are quieter and roomier. Some offer entertainment and climate control options.
There are even threads dedicated to which companies offer the best sleepers. Perspective truck drivers have the pick of the litter these days, where employment is concerned. Carriers need to be ready to do whatever it takes to stand out in a crowded field.
Is It The Cab?
According to a driver pay survey done by the American Trucking Associations (ATA), about two-thirds of the truck drivers who left their jobs did so voluntarily. While it could be pay or home issues, is there a possibility they are unhappy with what they are driving?
Whatever the reason, the fact is the turnover rate for 2014 came in at 95 percent. Might a newer mattress, climate control, or satellite TV system bring that number down?
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As we move into the future with advanced trucks on connected roads, it seems logical to expect the cab to only become more luxurious. Even so, will that really be the case?
Fleets Respond
If it is the cab, fleets have a lot to do. Fortunately, many are answering the call. One fleet, based out of Pasadena, California, gives their divers an allowance to customize their rigs.
Since the trucks are already dedicated, operators are encouraged to make their truck feel like home. Most opt for aftermarket lights, chrome, and other cosmetic accessories.
Some opt for premium sound systems. Think rumbling bass systems are for passenger vehicles only, think again. Bass in a semi-truck is nothing new.
According to a company spokesperson, every one of their 50 trucks are spec’d with top notch interiors and the best tires and accessory lighting packages. This has led to an impressive turnover rate of less than 10 percent.
For Health’s Sake
Consider the age of the average truck driver. Current estimates put over half of all truck drivers over the age of 45. A nice, comfortable seat wouldn’t hurt anyone, would it?
Mike Rosen, chief of Bose Ride Systems, recently offered a testimonial from a truck driver who reported driving with less back pain when a Bose seat suspension system was installed.
Sure, this may have been a simple marketing gimmick, but pushing these systems certainly can do no harm. If anything, it may help in retaining drivers during a time when they are needed the most.
For Comfort’s Sake
Many suggest that sleeper mattresses deserve a second look. While most manufacturer offerings are considerably better than they were before, they are nowhere near some of the premium sleep products we put in our bedrooms.
If you consider that for many truck drivers, the cab is the bedroom, it isn’t hard to see where the opportunity lies. After all, who can deny the need for a good night’s rest?
If a truck driver is driving in slip-seat operation, they may not want to share a bed with a trucker they may not even know. Fortunately, there are aftermarket offerings that allow mattresses to be quickly and easily removed from the truck.
Whether we are talking about better mattresses or aftermarket lights, it would behoove carriers to do whatever it takes to make their cab the most appealing option. In a job market as tight as this, any competitive edge, no matter how tight, can decide a recruiter’s success or failure.