Professional driving can be a demanding and challenging career, and it’s not uncommon for drivers to change employers from time to time. In recent years, it has been reported that the average turnover rate in the industry is over 90% in a given year. Although the bulk of those professional drivers stay in the industry, the high turnover rate can create major problems for companies.
There are many factors that can influence the decision to switch jobs, including pay, home time, equipment quality, work-life balance, and advancement opportunities. In this blog, we’ll explore the top five reasons that professional drivers change employers, and discuss how these factors can impact a driver’s job satisfaction and overall career trajectory.
Whether you’re a truck driver looking to make a change or an employer trying to retain your top talent, understanding these reasons can be crucial in creating a positive and successful work environment.
Driver Compensation
Drivers may change employers if they are offered higher pay or more favorable compensation packages elsewhere. If professional drivers feel like they aren’t being fairly compensated, they may be more likely to look for employment elsewhere where they can earn a higher wage.
Driver Home time
Some drivers value the ability to be home with their families more than others. Drivers may change employers if they feel they don’t get enough time at home. For many drivers, home time is as important as their compensation. A sense of normalcy and stability in their personal lives can go a long way in improving job satisfaction.
Quality of equipment
If professional drivers feel that the equipment they are given is not well-maintained or unsafe, they may choose to leave their employer in search of a company that provides better and safer equipment.
Company Culture
Drivers may change employers if they feel that the company culture at their current employer is not a good fit for them, or if they prefer the culture at a different company. For example, some drivers enjoy the comradery that comes with a tight-knit driver roster.
Advancement opportunities
Drivers may change employers if they feel they are not being given enough opportunities for advancement within their current company.
One thing companies can offer is additional benefits and perks to their drivers as a way to show appreciation and create a more positive work environment.
This could include things like flexible scheduling, additional paid time off, or perks such as gym memberships or company events. By offering these types of benefits, companies can create a more attractive and supportive work environment that encourages drivers to stay with the company.
Company leadership
Also has a significant impact on driver retention. Strong, effective leadership can create a positive and supportive work environment that encourages drivers to stay with the company. On the other hand, poor leadership can lead to low morale, high turnover, and difficulty in attracting and retaining reliable drivers.
Creating a positive work culture can be important for job satisfaction as well. These things can be disrupted when a driver changes employers frequently.
Ultimately, while there may be good reasons for drivers to change employers from time to time, it’s important for them to consider and know the potential drawbacks and weigh them against the potential benefits before switching employers.
Drawbacks for Drivers that Switch Jobs Often
One potential drawback for drivers is that it can be difficult to build a stable career when changing employers frequently. This can make it hard for drivers to establish a reputation and build relationships within the industry and on their applications.
Another potential drawback is the disruption of the driver’s income and benefits. Each time a driver switches jobs, they may have to go through a new hiring process and negotiate their pay and benefits package again and again.
Finally, frequent job changes can make it hard for drivers to establish a sense of community and belonging within their work environment. Building relationships with coworkers and creating a positive work culture can be important for job satisfaction, and these things can be disrupted when a driver changes employers frequently. This can lead to a sense of isolation and disconnection from the work environment, which can be detrimental to overall job satisfaction.
