With more than 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States, it goes without saying that drivers are crucial to the American economy. And having the right fleet driver for your trucking company is just as important. But for recruiters, the truck driver hiring process can expensive. When hiring, your goal is to reduce fleet management costs and hire the right truck drivers. Check out our top tips on how to hire a truck driver and cut costs at the same time.

Undergo Pre-screening Checks

Hiring the wrong person can be a costly experience. And don’t forget dangerous too. Conducting background checks is crucial when it comes to hiring safe, qualified drivers. Undergoing pre-screening checks is the easiest way to cut down on ineligible applicants. You should also identify whether the applicant has the required certifications. If not, decide whether you will provide training and base your criteria on this.

Define Your Expectations

What exactly do you want out of your fleet driver? It’s essential to define your expectations and what you expect from them. Be honest and open and explain upfront what the job entails from salary to hours to routes. Your applicant will appreciate your candidacy. And in return, you can feel confident knowing they know what your company expects of them.

Use Technology

The longer the hiring process, the more it costs. Streamline your hiring process with technology. Allow job applications to apply online through job boards, social media, and your own company website. Use recruitment software to manage your hiring process and to track applicant communications. And to avoid any unforeseen travel disruptions, conduct interviews over video chat.

Speed-up Interview Process

Some interview processes can take weeks, often months, and over many rounds. Instead, make the most out of a single interview by asking the right questions. Ask about their previous experience, their current skills, and their professional values. Also, ask about their plans and goals long-term. Are they close to retirement or do they have a long career ahead of them? Use this to determine whether they are the right fit for your company.

Reduce Turnover

The truck driver turnover rate averaged 90 percent in 2020. With high turnover comes high costs. That’s why it’s more important than ever to keep your fleet driver. This comes down to driver satisfaction. Invest in the health and well-being of your employee not just when they start employment, but throughout their career. Offer incentives, ask for feedback and be upfront and honest as best you can.

Truck Driver Hiring Made Easy

Hiring fleet drivers need not be an expensive process. Streamline your recruitment process for fast, safe, and cost-effective truck driver hiring. And once your new drivers hit the road, have peace of mind with a GPS fleet dash camera. TrackNet’s fleet management tracking devices provide driver footage with actionable data and alerts to reduce insurance costs. Plus, they improve driver safety and maximize productivity. Protect your fleet and request a free quote today.