The Issue with Truck Driver Turnover in 2022

The primary issue, according to the AATRI report Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry 2021, is a driver shortage. However, many experts believe that driver turnover is a far more serious problem. The situation stabilized a little at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak – drivers were frightened to leave their carriers. However, according to the American Trucking Associations, truckload drivers have a turnover rate of more than 90%. According to Stay Metrics, retention in the first seven days of a new employee’s tenure was 96.1 percent in June 2021. What is the cause of this predicament, and how can it be changed?

Why is Trucker Turnover So High?

A greater knowledge of why truckers leave could aid logistics companies in resolving the long-standing issue of retaining drivers in the industry. The following are the key causes of truck driver turnover:
Trucking is a way of life. Life on the road can be difficult. Truckers must spend the majority of their time in their trucks alone, away from their families and friends. It becomes too much of a burden for some of them, and they opt to change careers. The influence of loneliness on truck drivers’ mental health is a hot topic of debate. The lesser the chance of a driver’s turnover, the more often he or she is at home during a given month or week.
Low pay. The majority of OTR truck drivers are paid per mile. As a result, truck drivers’ pay may be irregular, resulting in income changes. To this, too much unpaid work time should be added, such as time spent sitting in traffic jams or checking and waiting for their loads, labor before and after creating driving routes, and so on.
Problems with your health. A lot of sedentary work, erratic sleep, and junk food are all part of the trucking lifestyle. Of course, this has an impact on the driver’s health and frequently leads to obesity, diabetes, and other major issues. Furthermore, this is hazardous work that puts the trucker in dangerous situations.

HOW CAN DRIVER TURNOVER BE REDUCED?

Truckers should be paid fairly. Competitive salaries and a variety of benefits are two of the most effective methods for reducing trucker turnover.
Working hours are flexible. For many truck drivers, being free to organize their work hours, choose their cargoes, and take days off when they need it is quite crucial. If one trucking business does not offer work schedule flexibility, drivers may switch to another.
Communication. Asking drivers what they require is the finest method to learn what they require. It may be an anonymous feedback form, a survey on how drivers prefer to be reimbursed, or a suggestion form for improving the workflow. Employees must believe that their opinions are respected and heard.
Success is celebrated. Appreciation is extremely important for everyone, including truck drivers. Without it, truckers may feel as if the employer does not value their efforts. As a result, it’s critical to recognize employees’ corporate anniversaries or achievements (for example, via some bonuses). It will not only have a significant impact on retention, but it will also boost performance.
Maintaining the health of the trucking industry. Many employers have implemented wellness programs because health difficulties are one of the leading causes of driver attrition.