July 14, 2023
In the trucking industry, where high turnover rates are common, recruiters often prioritize hiring experienced drivers who can hit the road immediately. While seasoned drivers bring valuable knowledge, it’s important not to overlook the potential of new drivers. With proper training and support, new-to-the-industry drivers can become some of the safest and most loyal members of your fleet.
Hiring new drivers gives carriers a unique advantage: the ability to train them from the ground up. This ensures skills are taught correctly and safety practices are ingrained from the start.
“Drivers new to trucking can integrate your safe practices and values from the beginning,” explains Mark Schedler, senior transport editor at J.J. Keller. “Experienced drivers may bring unsafe habits that take time to unlearn.”
New drivers often have a greater willingness to learn and adapt, which can lead to better long-term outcomes for both safety and retention.
Managing driver qualification (DQ) files can be time-consuming, especially when onboarding inexperienced drivers who require extra support. Outsourcing these tasks allows carriers to focus on coaching and retaining their new hires.
Streamlined hiring processes and compliance checks.
Centralized tracking of federal and state qualification documents.
Access to regulatory expertise to ensure audits are seamless.
“New drivers need about 50% more time for onboarding and support during their first six to twelve months,” Schedler notes. Outsourcing administrative tasks enables carriers to dedicate more time to building relationships with their new hires.
Whether through in-house training, partnerships with driving schools, or apprenticeship programs, carriers must prioritize thorough onboarding for new drivers.
These programs pair new drivers with experienced mentors, helping them transition into the industry while reinforcing company values. According to J.J. Keller, successful apprenticeships not only create well-trained drivers but also foster loyalty and long-term retention.
Go beyond FMCSA’s minimum requirements by conducting rigorous road tests. These evaluations provide insight into a driver’s skills and attitude while building their confidence.
At hire.
After extended absences.
When assigning new equipment or routes.
Thorough road tests reduce crash risks, improve driver skills, and enhance retention rates by fostering confidence.
Dash cameras paired with video-based coaching can transform training for new drivers. These tools allow trainers to:
Identify unsafe behaviors and address them proactively.
Understand the driver’s perspective during challenging situations.
Provide personalized feedback, fostering trust and growth.
“Video clips help foster empathy by showing the challenges new drivers face,” Schedler explains. Positive recognition of safe driving behaviors further reinforces safety culture and encourages productivity.
Modern trucks come equipped with advanced technologies that enhance safety and support drivers as they learn. Features like automated emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and blindspot monitoring can augment a new driver’s skills while they gain experience.
These systems not only assist with safety but can also capture valuable data for training and compliance purposes. As trucks become more high-tech, carriers have a growing toolbox to help drivers succeed.
New drivers bring a fresh perspective and openness to learning, making them valuable assets to any fleet. With the right training, tools, and support, they can be as safe—or even safer—than experienced drivers.
By investing in proper onboarding programs, rigorous evaluations, and supportive technologies, carriers can tap into an often-underutilized pool of talent while building a safer, more loyal fleet.
Let’s embrace the potential of new drivers and unlock a new level of safety and success in the trucking industry.
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