Attracting Younger Talent in the Trucking Industry
Young drivers are the future of trucking, but attracting and retaining talented younger drivers has been a challenge for many across the industry in recent years. There’s plenty of competition for the next generation’s brightest minds in the job market, and many trucking companies still struggle with defining company culture.
This latter point is important as the American Transportation Research Institute recently found out in its study entitled, “Integrating Younger Adults into Trucking Careers”. According to research conducted by the American Transportation Research Institute, 84% of young drivers stated that company culture and adherence to collaborative workspaces were very important to them when seeking work in the modern age.
Management That Cares
Another factor in attracting younger drivers is how management shows appreciation and care. Younger drivers have indicated that they want to work in an environment where management provides positive feedback and encouragement. One way that trucking company owners can do this is by personally checking in with younger drivers on a regular basis to listen to their concerns. Regular check-ins with management and an “open-door policy” can also pave the way for more satisfied younger drivers at work.
Ongoing Mentorship Opportunities
Younger drivers are also looking for mentorship opportunities that can make them feel invested in a company. Trucking companies can provide these opportunities by partnering younger drivers with younger driver trainers who understand the concerns faced by a less-experienced generation of trucking professionals. This also helps to bridge the divide between the old ways of doing things and the modern way via digital tools and networks as mentorship can be conducted via social media, email, text message, video conferencing and more.
Remaining Social
Trucking has traditionally been considered a line of work in which drivers enjoy the freedom and solitude of the open road. Younger driver candidates, however, have signaled that they are looking for more social opportunities at work. Trucking company owners can blend these two versions of an ideal trucking career by improving break rooms, encouraging after-work activity participation and setting up online social networks that can be accessed by employees remotely and back at the shop.
