It’s a problem affecting the whole road transport sector and the reasons are well-known – ranging from poor incentives, pay, conditions and training to increased workloads; the age profile of drivers; problems caused by COVID-19 and Brexit; and the government’s refusal to add HGV workers to the Skilled Worker Shortage Occupation List.
Although many of the big hauliers and supermarket chains are offering drivers sign-on bonuses, wage increases and other benefits, this game of musical chairs is simply moving the problem around and the reality is that the situation could take years to resolve.
However, there are two things that operators can do to attract and retain drivers in the short-term that we at Dawsongroup truck and trailer can help with.
Run good trucks
The better the trucks you run, the more able you are to attract and retain good drivers.
However, buying quality new assets and maintaining them over their lifetime is very expensive and a lot of hassle.
Many operators are realising that they don’t actually need to own their trucks. What they really need is the work they do. So, they’ve recognised the benefits of choosing a usership (leasing/contract hire) model rather than outright ownership.
With usership, there’s no large up-front capital investment, so operators can use the money they would have spent on buying trucks to invest in business growth or making their processes more efficient and more profitable.
What’s more, usership provides simpler and hassle-free fleet management and state-of-the art vehicles for an agreed monthly rate - as opposed to a big initial hit on an asset that will begin to lose residual value as soon as the keys are handed over.
A usership deal also comes with a full support package covering tax, tyres, maintenance, inspections, MOTs and even replacement vehicles, if needed.
And all that’s without the positive effect that high-quality trucks have on customer perception.
Additionally, the cost of employing staff such as a compliance controller can be offset against providing better salaries and conditions for drivers as usership passes responsibility for all compliance issues to the asset provider.
All the operators have to do is focus on providing drivers, putting in the fuel and delivering their services to their customers.
Create good drivers
Drivers need to be cared for and developed. Good drivers deliver better fuel economy, have fewer accidents, generate lower maintenance and repair issues and produce greater customer satisfaction.
Here at Dawsongroup truck and trailer, we offer both driver training and a handover programme to any customer who acquires a vehicle from us.
These include familiarisation of the vehicle’s controls and functions, daily checks and top-up points.
Our training is designed to meet each operator’s specific requirements, at a location best-suited to their business.
It offers a number of benefits, helping to optimise operations by minimising costs and downtime, reducing impact on the environment and improving staff wellbeing.
As a business, we stand squarely with our customers during this driver shortage. As always, we’re available to help you get the best possible fleet solution and train and retain your drivers.
Spend time discussing your requirements with one of our team now – it could help prevent your business falling victim to the driver shortage!
John Fletcher, Managing Director