A growing shortage of qualified personnel forces truck driver companies hiring to seek new driver recruiting strategies. The most frequent choice for the vast majority of these companies is between hiring staff drivers and using temporary agency drivers.
Each option has its pros and cons, so it’s important to consider both short-term benefits and the long-term prospects of the transportation company.
Temporary Agency Drivers: Their Appeal and Hidden Risks
Using a temp truck driver agency is convenient, especially during peak season. This approach is profitable for a company because it doesn’t have to bear responsibility for the employee; all HR matters are handled by the agency.
However, you should also consider the hidden risks of this type of hiring:
- The agency’s commission fee may be significantly higher than the cost of a full-time employee’s salary.
- A lower level of control over the selection and training of qualified drivers can lead to a decline in service quality for customers.
- There are also risks in labor law, as in some cases, a driver might be considered a joint employee. This leads to additional legal burdens and responsibility for compliance with legal requirements.
- While temporary drivers may be beneficial for short-term needs, in the long run, they may not be as invested in contract efficiency and, consequently, in enhancing the transportation company’s reputation.
- The high turnover that accompanies temporary workers leads to a gradual loss of control over efficient routes. Staff drivers accumulate knowledge about logistics, which improves operational processes.
- A temporary employment agencies for truck drivers often pays less attention to safety measures, so temporary drivers may not follow internal protocols. This, in turn, leads to an increase in violations and a deterioration of CSA scores.
Strategic Advantages of Permanent CDL Driver Employment
While CDL Class A recruiting with full-time employment may seem more costly initially, this step is the foundation of stability and successful operations in the long term.
By focusing on driver recruiting and hiring staff drivers, companies eliminate ambiguities and establish clear, transparent relationships. From a legal standpoint, this also simplifies compliance with complex regulations like those from the FMCSA.
Since the transportation company controls the training and selection of employees, it’s possible to build a cohesive and effective team.
This responsibility also extends to labor relations: from a legal standpoint, the company assumes timely payment of salaries and monitors compliance with the work schedule. In the long run, permanent driver employment has significant advantages:
- Reduced employee turnover and lower costs for training and recruitment.
- Increased employee loyalty and full engagement in the production process.
- Improved CSA safety scores due to strict adherence to rules and regulations.
- Strengthened corporate culture and the formation of a strong, effective team.
Effective Strategies for Transitioning to Permanent Hiring
If you need to hire a CDL driver, you can start your search on this site. Permanent employment is an investment in the future, so you need to approach the issue comprehensively.
Effective driver recruiting strategies include developing job postings that attract experienced drivers, offering competitive salaries, and providing a full benefits package.
You also shouldn’t forget the importance of continuous training, skill enhancement, and familiarization with new technologies. These steps reassure drivers of their employer’s care and their personal value.
If you combine this strategy with quality communication with dispatchers, recognizing successes, and acknowledging achievements, there’s a great chance your drivers won’t look for another job.
Driver Recruiting: Why Permanent CDL Employment Beats Temporary Staffing
In the short term, temporary agency workers may seem like an easy solution to staffing needs. However, for long-term success, stability, operational control, and building a strong, loyal team, permanent CDL driver employment is a more strategically advantageous approach.
This requires investment in recruitment, benefits, and development, but these investments pay off by reducing risks, increasing efficiency, improving safety, and building a reliable, prosperous business.