Sentry Road boosts tanker driver safety—and retention

Sentry Road, a Tampa, Florida-based provider of customized online compliance training software, recently helped one of the nation’s largest liquid bulk haulers reduce driver turnover and improve safety training by implementing a comprehensive, technology-enabled training program.

The carrier’s historical driver attrition rate was 29% annually, but turnover fell to only 10% for drivers using the newly implemented safety training program, representing a 65% improvement in retention among fully trained drivers that will save the company “millions” in hiring and onboarding expenses, Sentry Road predicted.

“We feel fortunate to partner with some of the most safety-driven carriers in the bulk transport space, and it’s clear that a modern training program isn’t just about checking the compliance box—it’s an essential tool for building an engaged workforce and a top-tier safety culture that delivers bottom-line results,” Sentry Road CEO Jim Tormey told Bulk Transporter.

The tank truck carrier’s results, which show that safe, well-trained drivers are more likely to stick around—and a strong safety culture directly supports a fleet's bottom line—inspired a new white paper that delves into the driver retention challenge and outlines how building a robust safety culture and utilizing a transportation-focused learning management system (LMS) can turn safety into a competitive advantage.

"In the past, fleet leaders consistently told us that Sentry Road helped strengthen their safety culture and streamline compliance—but this was the first time we took a deeper look at how our platform could impact driver retention,” Tormey continued. “The results were eye-opening.

“In an industry where driver turnover remains the No. 1 challenge, it’s incredibly rewarding to see how high-quality, custom-branded safety training can make drivers feel more supported, more confident, and more connected to their company.”

The white paper, “Safety Culture and Driver Retention: A Strategic Advantage for Trucking Fleets,” explores how fleets can move beyond compliance to build a safety culture that improves retention, performance, and profitability—with a focus on modern, consistent, and engaging training.

A few key takeaways:

• Driver turnover costs this fleet an average of $10,000 per driver. On the safety side, bulk carriers often face steep consequences due to the specialized nature of the work.
• The white paper outlines a clear link between training quality and driver retention—showing that drivers are far more likely to stay when they feel prepared, supported, and professionally developed.
• It offers tactical recommendations on how to turn safety training into a strategic advantage, including tips on leadership engagement, training consistency, and creating a sense of cultural ownership.
• The case study demonstrates how a few targeted shifts in training approach led to measurable results—in reducing incidents and costs, and keeping experienced drivers on the team.
• It’s a virtuous cycle. When drivers are well trained and supported, they are more likely to perform well, and ultimately to stay. A fleet of well performing consistent drivers is a manager's dream.