Intentional hiring, onboarding, training and monitoring keeps roadways safer.
Transportation companies have a load to bear—every driver in their fleets represents their brand, their business. One serious accident and major insurance claim could force a trucking company to close its doors. And the reality is, most insurance claims in the transportation industry are not small ones. Big rigs can be a big risk without the right safety, training, and hiring tools in place.
Hiring experienced, skilled drivers is more of a challenge than ever for transportation firms. Meanwhile, demand for trucking services continues to increase. Consider the amount of online retail transactions that require delivery. This is just one piece of the trucking business, though last-mile transportation is certainly a growing area that calls for more drivers.
Transportation companies must be intentional about their recruiting efforts—and systematic in the way they onboard, train, and monitor drivers. They have a great responsibility to keep drivers safe while also guarding the well-being of other drivers on the road.
The good news is transportation companies don’t have to take on training and monitoring alone. At Deeley Insurance Group, we act as an extension of their compliance department (and for smaller firms, we can become that ready resource). By helping transportation firms develop a safety culture, they can fulfill their purpose on the road.
How Do You Look on Paper?
It’s time to get real about safety and see how your transportation company looks on paper. What is your Safety Measurement Score (SMS) score? Are there any red flags on your Central Analysis Bureau (CAB) report? We help analyze data and identify areas where you are successful and where your business needs improvement. With a clear, honest picture of how the company is actually doing, we can tailor a safety program and provide necessary training resources. We can set up a plan to monitor this data throughout the year so there are no surprises.
Hold True to Your Standards
Establish hiring standards and stick to them. Outline specific driver qualifications and the level of experience you’d like drivers to have before they join your company. Review each applicant’s prior work history and perform complete background checks, including drug testing. Even when the hiring pool feels like a puddle that’s drying up, do not give in and hire a driver who lacks the job qualifications. Maintaining hiring standards is critical for upholding a strong safety culture. We can help establish these hiring protocols and offer training and resources so transportation companies can run a careful recruiting process.
Set a Safety Example
It’s not okay to “let it slide” if there’s a safety issue with a driver. Set a safety example and reinforce the message with regular training and driver monitoring. Hold weekly tailgate meetings and offer one-on-one training for drivers as needed.
Consider the messaging you deliver to drivers. For example, during bad weather, remind drivers to take their time. Intentionally reinforce safety versus speed. As a transportation company, if you are focused on developing and maintaining a safety culture, you will attract experienced drivers who share these values.