Recruiting Truck Drivers
New recruitment options for Truck Drivers
There has always been the notion that trucking is an industry that is suited to middle aged men who are on the move and can not carry on a normal life. The last decade, our industry has changed significantly. Today’s trucks have been enhanced by technology that is geared at making the experience better for all truck drivers. This has made it more conducive for both men and women to join the industry and enjoy the benefits. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the United States, women only make up for 6.2% of the truck drivers on the road today, an increase from 4.5% over 15 years. With no more barriers to entry, strong recruiters are starting to look to this untapped resource to fill driver shortages. It is about time that more women thought of joining the trucking industry because, despite the long hours on the road, there are several advantages that more than make up for it.
Another advantage of becoming a truck driver in the U.S. is the fact that 90% of trucking companies in the country offer paid leave to their drivers. 20% of the companies also give their drivers a 401(k) plan that is matched with employee contributions. When was the last time you saw that in an office job?
Getting on the road
When searching for a driving job, you’ll realize that most of the ads are for commercial driver’s license (CDL) jobs. For those that don’t know, getting a CDL in the U.S. costs anywhere between $3,000 and $7,000, and yet another surprise is that you can get it completely free of charge through grants and scholarships. The CDL course includes classwork and actual driving classes, covering everything from road safety guidelines to controlling vehicles. Choosing the right school is something that will impact your career greatly.
Challenges and opportunities
One of the biggest challenges faced by female truck drivers in the U.S. is criticism and discrimination by their male counterparts. Industry leaders are making significant changes to counter the existing driving culture, and lots of incentives exist for women looking to get behind the wheel.
Another problem faced by female drivers is sleeping options. Short distance drivers can always sleep comfortably at home, but long-distance truckers have to contend with parking lots or truck rest stops, which can be uncomfortable and unsafe. To counter this, new routing and selective planning allow for a more flexible option for all drivers. Add on the pay, benefits, and flexibility of trucking and we have the best job in the country.
While many currently employed in the trucking industry fear automated and self-driven trucks by companies like Uber, which has already started testing self-driving vehicles, this is a long way away. In addition, changing policy requires people to remain in the equation.
Awareness needs to be raised on the advantages of becoming truck drivers so that more people can enjoy the benefits of a tight labor market. There are many job boards and websites showing the CDL jobs available for anyone looking to drive in America.