Photo: Transervice
060920 Technician Transervice 5edf9122e0a82

Now is the time to hire for your fleet

June 9, 2020
You could, like some fleets undoubtedly will, wait until the need for drivers — and technicians, for that matter — is more evident. But by then, you could be behind the curve.

For much of the last decade, we have been talking about the driver shortage in the trucking industry. In fact, the American Trucking Associations believed that we were in need of an additional 60,000 drivers with predictions for even higher numbers later in the decade.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed that, at least temporarily, as demand for goods has lessened except in a few key areas of essential services like food, pharma, medical supplies, groceries, etc. In. In the near-term, the driver shortage may have abated; however, this situation will be short lived as the economy slowly begins to return to more normal activity levels. This won’t be immediate, but there will be a slow and steady recovery over the next year.

You could, like some fleets undoubtedly will, wait until the need for drivers — and for that matter technicians — is more evident to try to fill the need. By then, you could be behind the curve. Then you will be faced with the same issues we had pre-COVID-19: lowering standards to get people behind the wheel or turning the wrench. Track and trend the daily and weekly activity with all of your customers. 

Perhaps a more prudent strategy would be to take advantage of the fact that there are so many good, highly qualified people out of work — many of them with trucking industry experience.

As you trend the need, now might be a great time to start filling the ranks offering good paying jobs to those that may have been displaced by COVID-19. I believe we will only have a relatively short period of time, 12 to 18 months, to take advantage of this opportunity.

Starting to fill the pipeline now make good sense for your business, your customers and the unemployed. Trucking keeps the economy moving, and it won’t be too long before we will be singing the “driver shortage blues” unless we start making some moves today.

Of course, I know that some of the drivers who are now looking for work may be called back by their former employers once the economy begins its recovery. But no hire comes with a guarantee that the person will stay with your organization. We all run the risk of hiring someone who then leaves us for more familiar surroundings or what they perceive to be greener pastures. That risk always exists.

Being vigilant in your screening process can mitigate some of that risk, especially in light of the fact that many economists are predicting a slow ramp-up of the economy, which means many drivers will not be called back in the short-term.

The COVID-19 pandemic has given us an opportunity to bring some qualified skilled drivers and technicians into our ranks. I think it is a risk worth taking.

About the Author

Joseph Evangelist

Joseph Evangelist previously served as EVP for Transervice, president of LLT International Inc., and CEO of Lend Lease Trucks Inc. Evangelist is a seasoned transportation executive with domestic and international experience in sales, operations, mergers, and acquisitions.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Waiting for a breakdown is costing you. Learn how smart preventive maintenance plans, accurate data, and cross-team coordination can protect your bottom line and boost profits...
Is your fleet ready for California's Clean Truck Check program? Our guide helps you navigate CARB compliance, avoid costly fines, and keep your trucks rolling. Learn how telematics...
Boost truck leasing profits with telematics insights! Reduce maintenance costs, improve uptime, and strengthen customer relationships. Learn how data drives success.
This free guide outlines simple steps for hiring and onboarding commercial drivers while ensuring that you meet Regulation Part 391 and maintain fully compliant driver qualification...