In the current logistics landscape, finding qualified commercial drivers is one of the biggest challenges fleet managers face. The driver shortage has created a candidate’s market, making it difficult to find individuals who are not only licensed but also safe, reliable, and a good cultural fit for your company. However, rushing the hiring process to fill an empty seat can lead to higher turnover, increased insurance costs, and safety liabilities.
At Coastal Truck Driving School, we work with companies daily to help solve these staffing challenges, and we have seen firsthand that a strategic approach to recruitment is vital for long-term success. To help you navigate this competitive environment, here are five essential tips for hiring fleet drivers who will go the long haul with your business.
What to Look for When Hiring Fleet Drivers
Hire for Attitude, Train for Skill
Experience is valuable, but it isn’t the only metric that matters. A driver with twenty years of experience but a poor attitude toward safety protocols or dispatchers can be more liability than asset. Conversely, a newer driver with a strong work ethic, punctuality, and a willingness to learn is an investment that pays dividends.
When interviewing, look for “soft skills” like communication, problem-solving, and patience. You can always teach a willing employee how to back a trailer or manage a logbook, but you cannot teach reliability.
[Related: Choosing the Right CDL School]
The “Grow Your Own” Strategy
One of the most effective ways to bypass the driver shortage is to stop looking for outside drivers and start looking at your internal team. Do you have warehouse workers, dock hands, or delivery assistants who have already proven their loyalty and work ethic?
Investing in a corporate CDL training program to upskill your current employees is a game-changer. By sponsoring their CDL training through a partner like Coastal Truck Driving School, you build a pipeline of drivers who already know your company culture and operations. This approach drastically increases retention, as employees feel valued and see a clear career path within your organization.
Conduct Rigorous Background and Safety Checks
This might seem obvious, but in a desperate need to move freight, some companies gloss over the details. A thorough review of a candidate’s Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) and Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) report is non-negotiable.
Look for patterns rather than just isolated incidents. Does the driver have a history of speeding? Have they had multiple roadside inspection violations regarding maintenance? Past behavior is often the best predictor of future performance.
Be Transparent About the Job
High turnover often stems from a misalignment between expectations and reality. If a route requires unloading freight, working nights, or being away for three days at a time, be upfront about it during the interview.
“Selling” the job by hiding the difficult aspects only leads to a driver quitting within the first 90 days. Honest communication ensures that the candidates who stay are the ones willing to do the work required.
[Related: Improving Driver Turnover Rates]
Test Their Skills in the Real World
A valid CDL is a legal requirement, but it doesn’t tell you how a driver handles your specific equipment. Always incorporate a practical road test into your hiring process.
Have the candidate perform a pre-trip inspection and drive a route similar to what they would encounter on the job. Watch for their observation skills, how they interact with other traffic, and how they handle the truck in tight spaces. This is the only way to gauge their actual comfort level and competence behind the wheel.
Train or Hire Your Fleet with Coastal
Building a successful fleet isn’t just about filling seats; it’s about finding professionals who prioritize safety and efficiency. Whether you are recruiting seasoned veterans or upskilling your own workforce through corporate training, taking a strategic approach to hiring will save you time and money in the long run.
Are you looking to build a reliable fleet from within? Coastal Truck Driving School offers comprehensive corporate training programs designed to turn your best employees into your best drivers. Contact us today to learn how we can support your fleet staffing needs.