As we move into 2023, hiring and retaining top-notch drivers for your fleet should be a top priority. Due to the current driver shortage, it’s become increasingly difficult to find qualified and reliable drivers. That’s why we’ve put together a list of five ways to improve your fleet’s driver recruiting in 2023.

1. Upgrade Your Hiring Process

The traditional hiring process may no longer be efficient in finding the best candidates. It’s time to switch things up. Consider implementing things like behavioral assessments, job-specific skill tests, and video interviews to evaluate potential drivers more accurately. For example, companies like Tenstreet now offer a virtual hiring event platform that streamlines the process while creating an engaging candidate experience.

2. Leverage Social Media

In today’s digital age, social media offers a powerful tool for recruitment. Your fleet should have an active social media presence across different platforms, including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Posting job openings, showcasing the company’s culture, and sharing employee stories, and achievements can help attract top-performing drivers. Swift Transportation, for instance, uses social media as a primary driver recruitment tool and has seen great results.

3. Invest in Driver Training Programs

Driver training programs not only increase the safety of your fleet but also serve as an attractive incentive to potential drivers. In 2023, placing a strong focus on training programs should be a top priority. Offer realistic training to help drivers improve skills and knowledge for better job performance. As an example, Schneider has a driver training program for inexperienced drivers known as Schneider’s Finishing School which helped the company retain more of its hires than those that hadn’t gone through the program.

4. Offer Competitive Compensation Packages

In this era of attractive job opportunities, it pays to have compelling compensation packages. Competitive salaries are not the only aspect to consider; benefits, bonuses, overtime payments, and time-off policies play a significant role in attracting and retaining quality drivers. More companies are now offering sign-on bonuses to their drivers as a strategy to increase competition. Werner Enterprises offers a $10,000 sign-on bonus for solo drivers that have a minimum of three years of driving experience.

5. Enhance Employee Experience

Your drivers are your biggest asset, and it’s essential to make them feel valued. Improving the employee experience can significantly increase retention rates and attract potential drivers. Enhancements can range from offering comfortable work environments, competitive wellness programs, and creating work-life balance opportunities. For instance, J.B. Hunt has a loyalty program that rewards drivers that make safe, on-time deliveries, and also offers a smartphone app called J.B. Hunt 360 that enables them to complete tasks and manage their schedules.

In summary, engaging potential drivers with multiple recruitment strategies is critical since companies are vying for the same pool of drivers. With the five ways mentioned above, you’re on your way to improving your fleet’s driver recruiting in 2023 and securing a steady pipeline of high-quality drivers.