As anyone who’s worked in the freighting industry can attest, truck driving is far from an easy profession. Drivers routinely put in long hours, exhibit tremendous concentration and navigate large vehicles through crowded roadways. While trucking may seem like a relatively easy job, it’s far more demanding than most people realize. That being the case, it behooves every fleet manager to stay on his or her game and provide truckers with assistance as needed. Whether you’re new to fleet management or are simply looking for a few pointers, adhering to the following pointers will serve any manager well.
Regular Check-Ins
It’s no secret that trucking can be a lonely profession. While on the job, many truckers experience very little human interaction, which can lead to feelings of isolation. Receiving regular check-ins from fleet managers can help dispel loneliness and remind drivers that someone always has their back. In addition, consistently checking in with drivers is a great way to receive updates on their individual progress and stay abreast of any problems they experience.
Regular check-ins are particularly important for drivers who are just getting their start. Regardless of how much training a driver receives, he or she is bound to experience a little bit of anxiety when they’re finally out on the road, and check-ins can help alleviate this. Furthermore, dependable fleet management solutions can prove invaluable in your efforts to stay up-to-date with your drivers. Knowing where your company’s vehicles are at all times will ensure that you’re able to provide the proper assistance to drivers who have become sick, injured or lost while en route to their destinations.
Willingness to Communicate
Communication plays an important role in the success of any business, and freighting companies are no exception. In the absence of solid communication, you’re liable to see significant driver turnover and an overall lack of employee satisfaction. With this in mind, encourage open communication between your drivers and yourself and seek to create a collaborative environment in which every member of your workforce feels heard.
Willingness to Reward
Truckers consistently go above and beyond the call of duty, and it’s important for fleet managers to recognize their efforts. This means providing bonuses and paid time off to drivers who meet deadlines, take care of their vehicles and show a propensity for fuel efficiency. If you don’t provide incentive to excel, there’s no reason to expect anything other than the bare minimum of effort from your employees.
Trucking can be physically draining and emotionally taxing. While some people regard this profession as a matter of sitting behind the wheel all day, it’s considerably more challenging than appearances suggest. This is why every freighting company should prioritize the safety of their drivers above all else. This is where fleet managers come into play. A reliable fleet manager can provide truckers with valuable guidance, assistance and peace of mind, thus helping ensure their safety. Fleet managers looking for effective ways to improve their companies should take the previously discussed tenets to heart.
