One of the biggest challenges for any business is finding, training, and retaining dedicated staff members. Every employer wants to have a quality team at work. The goal for employees is to enjoy coming to work and to feel appreciated – and truck drivers are no exception. Providing enticing benefits and incentive programs is a major key to attracting new drivers and overcoming the driver-shortage market the industry is experiencing.
Entice with Incentives
It goes without saying that job seekers want competitive wages, but an attractive benefits package and other company perks play a critical role as well. Benefits and incentive packages should be designed based on the company’s goals and how the new drivers will be motivated to achieve them. Here are a few driver incentive program suggestions to help attract – and keep – new drivers.
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Offer Monetary Rewards.
Who doesn’t enjoy a little extra cash? Incorporate a monetary rewards program designed to motivate drivers to meet a certain goal within a specific timeframe. For example, if a goal is to improve your company’s delivery times, create a friendly competition for drivers. The rewards can be offered as a cash bonus or pay increase. Not only do perks like this attract new drivers, but they also help encourage loyalty from existing ones.
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Recognize a Job Well Done.
In addition to financial rewards, employees enjoy recognition at work. This may be an employee of the month program, acknowledgment in a company-wide meeting or newsletter, or a personalized thank you from the boss. Receiving such recognition creates pleasant memories for the recipient and is validation they are appreciated as an individual, rather than just a number.
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Create a Point Based Reward System.
Another popular incentive program offered by companies is a points program based upon milestone achievements. The various milestones give employees the opportunity to earn points which can be redeemed for gifts, gadgets, or even cash.
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Boost Base Pay.
In order to stay ahead of the competition, raising the base pay your company offers – even just a little – can go a long way. Additionally, consider sign-on bonuses or tuition reimbursement, which goes into effect 30-90 days after employment. Let’s face it, money talks.
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Provide Comprehensive Benefits.
An impressive benefits package ranks just as highly as decent pay rates. By offering health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, along with paid time off, and even a retirement package, you display the importance of investing in the well-being of your employees.
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Offer Drivers Perks.
Since one of the biggest hurdles truck drivers face is loneliness, it is possible to set up situations where drivers are allowed to have friends, family members, or even pets tag along on the long-haul jobs. Another option that is popular is team driving, which is great for married couples and coworkers alike. Not only does it boost morale, but it can also improve delivery times for you company.
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Develop a “Train the Trainer” Program.
How better to acclimate a new driver than to pair them with your best? In addition to being highly skilled, trainer drivers should also have a positive attitude. Experienced drivers can earn extra money while mentoring the newbies. It also helps build their sense of confidence as well as cultivate their leadership skills – both highly valuable to any employee as they grow within a company.
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Invest in Employees.
In addition to providing fair wages and benefits, consider other perks that will enrich the lives of employees. Engage employees in team building activities where they have the opportunity to work together, bond, and learn about each other, thus improving company comradery. Provide free or discounted gym or spa memberships, mental health resources, or even weight-loss and smoking cessation programs, all of which encourage self-care and demonstrate that your company is concerned for staff members.
Truck drivers are one of the mainstays of American life. In addition to attracting and hiring quality employees, creating a supportive company culture is crucial as well. Benefits and incentives play an essential role in employee dedication, motivation, and retention.
Learn More About TCI’s Career Opportunities
A leader in the trucking industry, TCI has more than 40 years of experience in serving clients and local communities. Offering a wide variety of services in locations across the country, TCI we know the importance of treating our employees right. To learn more about employment opportunities, visit TCIcareers.com
