What Do Drivers Want?

Following last month’s Driver Appreciation Week, I think we should ask ourselves what do drivers want? After discussions with some of the drivers in our fleet, the main themes were Respect and Understanding. In an increasingly digital world, we have the illusion of being connected without the personal face to face interactions which are necessary for car drivers and truck drivers to treat each other with respect. Unfortunately, this has led to many car drivers on the road not knowing the capabilities of a semi-truck, but also not caring how their actions may affect those around them. Education for new car drivers would go a long way towards awareness about the tractor trailers on the road today. 

As a remote workforce, drivers’ only interactions are typically over the phone and when communicating in this way, we lose the non-verbal cues that indicate how that communication is being received. It all comes down to tone and demeanor when communicating on the phone with a driver. 

Driver Appreciation should not be relegated to one week a year. Professional drivers deserve to be given respect and to have their voice heard every day of the year. Support and tools for success should be provided to all drivers. Part of that aim for inclusion and respect should be to know drivers by name and not just as a number. Drivers are a skilled workforce that deal with high stress situations every day and if they are calling in, it is because they need help. The worst thing a company can do is minimize their problem or be perceived as not having the time to lend aid and support. No company wants a driver to report that they felt like just a steering wheel holder or a number. To that end, do drivers really appreciate a shirt or cheap flashlight that breaks as soon as it is given? Monetary compensation equal to the price of the giveaway would be more appreciated by most drivers. 

Valued and respected drivers are a precious commodity that should receive recognition as well as positive reinforcement. When drivers are encouraged to do better it leads to them wanting to grow and progress not only as a driver, but potentially into a different position within the organization.  

A driver’s opinion should be considered when making a decision about equipment and the configuration of that equipment. They intimately know the interior and exterior of their vehicles and are best equipped to give feedback on what they need to perform at the highest level for the company. When equipment such as leaf springs and seats wear out quicker, the driver suffers for it especially in a team environment like we have at Boyle Transportation. Infrastructure and road conditions in the country are critical to maintaining the health and well-being of the average truck driver. Not having a safe place to stop for breaks on their 10 hour required sleeper berth is another issue plaguing the industry. More and more rest areas are being closed due to budget cuts and this creates exponential shortages for safe truck parking. 

It is our job as companies to support and not hinder the professional drivers on the road today so they can deliver the goods all Americans rely on. They are the unsung heroes of our economy and deserve the understanding and respect we can give them so they can continue to safely do their jobs. The next time you see a truck driver, thank them for what they do every day and give them the space they need to operate safely when you are out on the road.