The headlines have been telling us for months that there is a driver shortage in the trucking business. The truck driver shortage is really nothing new, but supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic has made the issue more of a problem for average Americans.
If you are currently a truck driver what does this mean for you? How can you use this shortage to your advantage?
When driver demand is on the rise, drivers need to understand exactly what it is that trucking companies are looking for. Ask the following questions:
What is it that makes a driver desirable?
What is it that keeps a driver in command of their career?
Be a Top Tier Driver
Proving yourself to be a top tier driver should be your goal if you want to make top pay in the trucking industry. The drivers who are going to really benefit from the current shortage are the ones who have already built a good solid reputation.
Top Tier drivers know and adhere to the following:
Be dependable - always be on time and do what you say you are going to do
Be safe - complete pre and post trip safety checks every trip
Be productive - use your time wisely
Be flexible and easy to work with - take loads that no one else wants or aren't your usual runs
Be professional - represent the company you are working for in the best light possible
Keep In Mind
If you are already in a good solid position where you are treated well and given all kinds of perks and miles, then it would not be a good idea to leave just for a few more cents per mile at another carrier. The grass is not always greener somewhere else. You will have to prove yourself all over again and compete with a new group of drivers for freight. In addition, you will more than likely set yourself back in terms of your earnings potential.
Maintaining a good solid job at the company where you are already well established is going to pay off in a big way over the next few years. If you aren't yet a Top Tier driver, this should always be your goal.
At Carleton Transport, our goal is to create calm in the chaos of the trucking industry while maintaining driver safety. If you’re interested in hearing more about our current driving opportunities, call 402-332-0260 to speak with our recruiter. Or, visit our website at carletontransport.com/driving-jobs today.
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