Successful driver retention begins with proaction rather than reaction, said Kelly Anderson of Impact Transportation Solutions Inc at the National Tank Truck Carriers annual conference May 7-9 in San Antonio TX.
"People get committed to people, not to companies," Anderson said in encouraging recruiters to begin the retention process by engaging driver prospects in positive interaction.
He said that the recruiting process is an essential element by not only finding drivers, but finding those who are likely to become long-time employees.
The way a recruiter handles initial contact can reveal the company culture that either encourages good prospects or sours them on the possibilities, Anderson said.
He advised recruiters to gather information in the initial contact in a diplomatic way by being kind and enthusiastic. He also recommended that the recruiter's contact with a prospect be continued through the hiring process, including training.