If you want to maintain a thriving fleet, you’ve got to keep your truck drivers happy. Unfortunately, grueling schedules and unfavorable working conditions can result in driver burnout, which increases turnover rates. According to NewsNation, driver turnover or churn is reaching alarming levels of almost 90%.
The consequences of such turnover can be costly, with businesses incurring up to $15,000 in expenses for hiring replacements and missed opportunities. To combat this persistent issue, fleet operators and over-the-road businesses can turn to trucking management software (TMS) as a solution.
But how exactly does TMS help improve driver retention? Let’s take a closer look.
TMS Software Defined
TMS is a comprehensive software solution built specifically for the trucking industry. This powerful tool integrates various functionalities, ranging from load planning and dispatching to asset tracking and driver management, all in one user-friendly platform.
Implementing TMS solutions can significantly improve drivers’ experiences and effectively address their pain points. This becomes particularly crucial for retaining early-stage drivers, as a majority of them tend to leave their companies within the first year. By fostering a high level of job satisfaction, you can retain a larger number of these individuals and successfully scale your overall fleet.
How TMS Systems Help Improve Driver Retention
1. Improved quality of life
TMS platforms enhance the tracking of truck drivers’ schedules through user-friendly platforms. This intuitive technology enables drivers to monitor their hours driven. It also allows management to detect when drivers might be on the road for too long and address potential overwork.
Given that human error contributes significantly to truck accidents, often caused by speeding and fatigue, a TMS solution may initially appear as intrusive surveillance. However, the primary intention is to prioritize driver safety.
Moreover, TMS platforms offer an additional advantage by relieving drivers of burdensome paperwork. With automated systems taking care of administrative tasks, drivers can utilize their downtime for much-needed rest, allowing them to recharge and remain focused when they are behind the wheel.
2. Load and route optimization
When it comes to improving truck driver retention, one of the biggest advantages lies in the optimization of route planning and load management. A good TMS solution includes dispatch software that excels at optimizing load and route planning. The software generates efficient routes based on load size, weight, and delivery deadlines. This results in fewer empty miles, better use of truck capacity, lower fuel consumption, and decreased operational costs.
Software with a driver management component simplifies communication between your company and drivers, minimizing paperwork and administrative burdens. By streamlining these processes, drivers gain valuable time to focus on safe and punctual deliveries, which significantly contributes to their job satisfaction and, in turn, enhances driver retention rates.
Another important aspect to consider is the financial impact on truck drivers. By effectively optimizing routes and loads, drivers can potentially earn more money by working for your company compared to other competitors. When drivers see that your company’s TMS solution maximizes their earning potential through efficient planning and load management, they are more likely to stay and be satisfied with their job. This focus on increasing their income can be a crucial factor in improving truck driver retention rates.
3. Timely and accurate payments
Avoiding a high turnover rate requires addressing issues such as incorrect paychecks and slow payments. To ensure accurate and timely payments for your drivers, choose transportation management software (TMS) that offers comprehensive accounting and billing capabilities. Look for a TMS solution that provides integrated features to streamline payroll processes and enhance driver satisfaction.
With a comprehensive TMS solution in place, you have the flexibility to run driver payroll on an hourly, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis, aligning with your preferred pay periods. The software simplifies payroll management by enabling you to add auto-recurring or amortized deductions, including escrow and more. Plus, it can incorporate on-road deductions seamlessly, ensuring no missed deductions that could impact drivers’ earnings.
Another good feature to look for is “pay per load,” which allows you to determine the approximate cost for drivers based on the gross load percentage. You can set a flat rate or percentage, streamlining compensation calculations and simplifying the overall payment process.
Bottom line: A comprehensive TMS solution streamlines payroll processes. This means your drivers will get accurate paychecks on time without your having to spend countless hours generating them.
4. Improved data and communication
When it comes to driver retention, effective communication and streamlined processes play a pivotal role. Ensuring drivers feel valued and supported, with clear channels of communication, increases the likelihood of long-term commitment. Transparent communication enables drivers to understand their roles, responsibilities, and expectations, resulting in improved efficiency and job satisfaction.
Furthermore, providing drivers with access to real-time updates on road conditions, weather alerts, and essential route details empowers them to make informed decisions and navigate routes more efficiently. This transparency enhances driver safety and well-being.
When selecting a TMS platform, prioritize those that offer effective and detailed load data delivery across multiple mediums, such as mobile applications and text messages. Additionally, look for systems that allow drivers to request time off through the platform, ensuring that they are not scheduled until their approved leave period is completed. These features contribute to driver satisfaction, reduce turnover rates, and foster a healthier and more successful fleet.
Conclusion
By implementing a scalable TMS solution tailored to the specific needs of your fleet, whether it be large, medium, or small, you can harness the power of technology to address the driver shortage issue. The right TMS will empower your drivers, enhance their job satisfaction, and ultimately contribute to improved retention rates.
