Findings On Driver Retention: What Works Now

Key Findings from the Fall 2024 Truck Driver Survey

The Fall 2024 Truck Driver Survey has been released, providing new insights into what drivers care about most in their jobs. Created with People. Data. Analytics (PDA), a top company in employee feedback, this survey explores drivers’ needs, driver retention, motivations, and expectations. For companies in the trucking industry, these insights offer valuable guidance on how to hire and keep top drivers.

Here are the main findings from this year’s survey.

Drivers Keep Their Job Options Open

A large majority—85% of drivers—apply to more than one company when looking for a job. Within that group, 39.9% apply to two or three companies, while 28.3% apply to more than five. This means that drivers are considering all their options. They’re looking for the best fit and won’t settle quickly. Kelley Walkup, CEO of Conversion Interactive Agency, noted, “Speed and transparency are more critical than ever in the recruitment process.” She emphasized that companies need to act fast and use the best tools to connect with drivers quickly.

The survey also shows that 40.7% of drivers are actively looking for jobs. This is the highest percentage recorded since PDA started tracking this data. The high number of job seekers reflects a market where drivers have many options and are willing to switch jobs for better conditions.

Why Drivers Seek New Jobs

When asked why they’re open to new jobs, most drivers mentioned predictable pay as the top reason, with 81.9% choosing it. Following that, 65.7% of drivers want better home time, while 49.1% want consistent miles. Drivers also showed increased interest in better benefits, with 25% more drivers saying they value this than in the Spring 2024 survey. These findings show that drivers want stability and a good balance between work and life.

Optimism About the Future

The survey asked drivers if they believe 2025 will be better for drivers than 2024. A little over half, 51.1%, said they are hopeful. This optimism is a positive sign for the trucking industry. Companies can build on this by sharing good news, company successes, and plans for improvement.

Driver Retention Challenges

Driver Retention remains a major issue. Only 53.3% of drivers feel valued in their current jobs. This data shows a need for trucking companies to focus on treating drivers well and building trust. Scott Dismuke, VP of Operations at PDA, stated, “Collecting feedback is just the beginning; acting on that feedback is what truly builds trust.” This means companies need to make sure drivers know their voices matter.

Balancing Pay with Home Time

The survey found that many drivers would accept a pay cut for more home time. Nearly half of drivers said they would consider a job with more home time, even if it meant less pay. This reflects the difficulty of balancing work and personal life for drivers. Companies can use this insight to find ways to make schedules more flexible and help drivers get the time off they need.

The Role of Technology in Improving Driver Experiences

The survey highlights how important technology is for hiring and keeping drivers. New tools can help companies better understand what drivers want and quickly respond to their needs. The right technology allows for faster communication, more transparency, and more effective recruiting efforts. By focusing on predictable pay, clear communication, and empathy, companies can give themselves a competitive edge in the market.

The Fall 2024 Driver Survey provides valuable insights for the trucking industry. Listening to drivers and acting on their feedback can help companies stay competitive in a changing industry.