A recent Fleet Lead roundtable brought together EndeavorB2B commercial vehicle editors from FleetOwner, Fleet Maintenance, and Bulk Transporter to break down driver and technician retention. With ongoing concerns about driver shortages and high turnover rates, the panel examines how fleets are navigating regulatory crackdowns, deploying in-cab safety technology, and utilizing communication strategies to keep their best employees.

Key insights from Bulk Transporter Editor Jason McDaniel:

• Tank truck turnover stability: While the driver shortage has been a decades-old topic, the bulk transportation sector does not experience the same high turnover rates seen in general dry van and flatbed trucking. This is largely because the bulk sector requires specialized qualifications, such as hazmat and tanker endorsements, which typically attract veteran drivers who are in it for the long haul.
• Prioritizing qualified capacity: The conversation regarding the driver shortage has shifted from a sheer lack of numbers to a lack of qualified drivers. Recent regulatory efforts aimed at removing bad actors, chameleon carriers, and CDL mills from the market place a premium on safety-conscious carriers and the reliable drivers they employ.
• Increasing driver compensation: Tank truck fleets are taking retention seriously and responding proactively to capacity constraints. Companies such as United Petroleum Transports, Florida Rock & Tank Lines, Maverick Transportation, Cargo Transporters, TMC, and Barrett have recently announced pay increases for their drivers.
• Gamifying safety technology: Dashcams have become essential components of modern fleet safety programs, though some drivers remain wary of inward-facing cameras spying on them. Fleet managers can increase driver buy-in by gamifying the coaching process, which gets competitive juices flowing and incentivizes drivers to compete for safety rewards rather than feeling nagged.
• Technology augmenting trades: The introduction of advanced technology and automation is unlikely to replace diesel technicians and tradespeople. Instead, technology will augment the workforce and should be used as an advantage to appeal to the younger generation entering the industry.

Watch the video at the bottom of this page, use the embedded player at the top, or find our EndeavorB2B Commercial Vehicle Group podcast on your favorite platform:

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Episode timestamps:

• 03:47 - Regulatory crackdowns, carrier vetting
• 05:30 - Fleet pay raises, private fleet comparisons
• 09:18 - Proven retention strategies
• 14:09 - In-cab technology
• 20:01 - Technician retention, shop floor upgrades
• 24:12 - ATA leadership changes