A survey of truck fleet managers reveals the top reasons truck drivers quit and why they get fired or laid off.
- Want better pay?
- Don't want to drive anymore
- Want shorter hours?
- Job didn't meet expectations?
- Want better benefits?
Those are the top five reasons truck drivers quit their jobs according to a fleet manager survey conducted by Goss Gilroy, Inc. Management Consultants for TruckNews.com.
Why do drivers get fired or laid off? These are the most common reasons given by fleet managers:
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Seasonal demand
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Poor qualifications
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Poor driving record
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Decrease in overall business
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Unwillingness to drive long-haul routes
According to the survey, large companies are more likely to cite qualifications, driving record and willingness to drive long hauls as reasons for dismissal; smaller fleets most often cite seasonal demands.
The majority of fleet managers screen job candidates using a variety of techniques, including:
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84% check references
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83% review applications
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74% conduct interviews
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63% require road test
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40% check for criminal record
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34% require drug tests
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27% conduct attitude tests
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17% administer aptitude tests
Interestingly enough, hiring criteria aren't necessarily weighted the same as application requirements. Here's how fleet managers rate driver qualifications before offering a job:
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92% driving experience
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91% driving record
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82% attitude
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69% references or referrals
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55% road test
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31% drug tests
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14% training school attended
Time for a chuckle. It's safe to say these guys wouldn't last long on the job: While driving along the back roads of a small town, two novice truckers came to an overpass with a sign that read CLEARANCE 11'3". They got out and measured their rig, which was 12'4" high. "What do you think?" one asked the other. The driver looked around carefully, then shifted into first. "Not a cop in sight. Let's take a chance!" (Thanks to ATruckersWife.com for the laugh.)
