Whats the trick ???

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by deskdriver, Aug 14, 2013.

  1. deskdriver

    deskdriver Light Load Member

    241
    140
    Aug 6, 2013
    Michigan
    0
    Ok so whats the trick to getting quality drivers in the door? We are a small family owned trucking company out of West MI with 25 trucks, We are currently growing and need more drivers. We can not offer some of the fringe bennifits the mega's offer but we have a very fair rate, vacation pay, health ins, ect. We try to treat our drivers with respect and once we get them in here we seem to have good relationship with drivers, we have many drivers here with over 10 years with us. Any recomandations are greatly appreciated.

    Thank You
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

    14,962
    29,144
    Oct 3, 2011
    Longview, TX
    0
    Are you on a major traffic lane where you can put up a sign that can be viewed? I think most will take into account the equipment they see (what type, how new, has it been washed since 2012, etc) along with them feeling (assuming) you pay at least slightly better then "average" will generate enough interest to drive them to a web site to look into you a bit more. You have to have a fuel card and advance system in place. You have to have an easy, driver friendly lumper advance system if you deal with unloading a lot.

    I guess too, a lot depends on what type of hauler you are and where you operate and what type of "main terminal" or "main office" you have before much more help can be offered.
     
    deskdriver Thanks this.
  4. G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

    7,031
    8,621
    Sep 3, 2010
    0
    As you know, it can be a real challenge to find "quality" drivers. Some of the best drivers can come from referrals from current drivers. You may try asking your better drivers if they know any good drivers who may want to make a change. You might even offer a financial incentive, such as a referral fee for any new drivers. If you use a financial incentive, I would recommend that you spread it out over time to make sure the new drivers stay for a while.
     
    deskdriver Thanks this.
  5. deskdriver

    deskdriver Light Load Member

    241
    140
    Aug 6, 2013
    Michigan
    0
    We run a variety of equipment, currently our fleet consists of: 379, 387, T2000, columbia, Western Star. Right now the trucks average 6-8 years old but we keep them very well maintained, We have our own repair facility as well as a full wash bay and wash the trucks when they come in off the road. We plan to upgrade equipment soon though, we recently purchased a batch of 2013 dryvans to help with our recent growth. For fuel each truck has a Comdata Card as well as a Fuelman card, The drivers can get a cash advance off the comdata card at any truckstop that accepts comdata if needed. We do not deal with alot of lumpers but if needed we give the driver a comdata express code to cover the expense. The majority of our outbound freight is preloaded and the majority of our backhauls are broker freight. We only pull '53 Dryvans. We are about 6-7 miles off of the highway so we do not get a large amount of truck traffic going by to put out a sign.
     
  6. Skunk_Truck_2590

    Skunk_Truck_2590 Road Train Member

    2,093
    683
    Feb 16, 2007
    Stonewall, LA.
    0
    As long as you take of your drivers, they will take care of you. I agree with STexan. Some type of advertising would be your best bet. Trying putting an ad on Craigslist. Thats where I've found a couple of my past jobs.
     
    deskdriver Thanks this.
  7. deskdriver

    deskdriver Light Load Member

    241
    140
    Aug 6, 2013
    Michigan
    0
    We have an add on Craigslist.
     
    Skunk_Truck_2590 Thanks this.
  8. deskdriver

    deskdriver Light Load Member

    241
    140
    Aug 6, 2013
    Michigan
    0
    We have a few drivers that have come in that way, But no one knows of any other drivers looking for work at the moment
     
  9. Skunk_Truck_2590

    Skunk_Truck_2590 Road Train Member

    2,093
    683
    Feb 16, 2007
    Stonewall, LA.
    0
    Yea, normally 3-6 months. Last guy I worked for footed the bill for drug testing, MVR and all that as long as you made at least 90 days. Anything before that was on the driver and came out of the last pay check. Keeps things civil and worth the owners time if they decide to hire a driver.
     
    deskdriver Thanks this.
  10. deskdriver

    deskdriver Light Load Member

    241
    140
    Aug 6, 2013
    Michigan
    0
    We have the same policy, we pay all hireing expenses as long as you stay 90 days, we also offer a saftey bonus. What is the average rate for a referal fee?
     
  11. x#1

    x#1 Road Train Member

    1,773
    1,102
    Dec 24, 2009
    Cherokee County, Alabama
    0
    nice equipment that does the job.allow the driver to at least run the posted speed limit regardless of the state.in other words,TRUST your driver.looseleaf logs,no quallcom,and answer the phone when they call especially after business hours.whatever you say you'll do,follow through.

    simple.allow the driver to do his/her job without all the distractions and and trust them to get the job done.if they can't,replace them.period.
     
    allniter and deskdriver Thank this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.