Starting a New Private Fleet - Tell Me How to Attract the Best Drivers!

$$$$$$ Lots of it.

Dependable, well maintained equipment.

Home time.

Good medical benefits that don't break the bank.

 

Tripac APU, if you don't want the trucks to idle all night during layovers or 10 hr. breaks.
Midroof tractors; not condo's.

 

Attracting top drivers is a science all it’s own. The basic information provided is a bit short, a little more might help. What type of trailer, van, refer, flat?
What are the estimated turn times.

Think about what you have as expectations of a fleet operator. Now think about the job you are asking people to do. Then think about what it would take for you to do that job. Be honest about it. Now you should have a start point.

 

Good well maintained equipment, stop pay for all stops, either pay hourly or a competitive mileage wage, and treat drivers like individuals not a truck number.

 

Pay me decent mileage, say .48 cents and stop pay ($20) and detention ($15). 10 hour pay minimum on breakdown or weather. $15 per hour on breakdown delays like tires, etc. Affordable insurance, 401k, safety bonus, 1 or 2 cents. I dont care if you know my name.

 

Compensation for all on duty functions - including fueling, wait time,breakdowns, etc
Pay for Any unscheduled layovers
Benefits package available after 14 days - with low out of pocket and minimum deductibles
Accrued Paid Time Off based on hours worked equal to 10 days a year
Spec new equipment with top of the line comfort and safety features
Quarterly performance reviews with immediate supervisor on a face to face basis
Access to to middle management with one day of notice
All policy and procedures are in writing and reviewed with immediate supervisor
All dispatch based on a 14 hour clock Must be legal and reasonable
First year average annual base salary of $85,000.00 plus fuel, performance and safety bonuses.

 

Look at other private fleets with no driver turnover and see how they do it.. ie.,ACE, the old WalMart when Sam was alive, Radio Shack back in the day, etc.

 

Pay 25 % more than your local companies and then choose very carefully who you hire. Remember most of the best drivers have a good job. You need enough to lure them over to you