Hiring experienced truck drivers can be beneficial for your trucking company in many ways. Compared to new CDL graduates with no over-the-road (OTR) experience, these drivers have already gained valuable knowledge and skills through their previous driving experience, and they can bring a level of professionalism and efficiency to your team. Here are some of the benefits of hiring experienced truck drivers:
1. Improved safety record
One of the primary benefits of hiring experienced truck drivers is their improved safety record. These drivers have spent more time on the road and have likely encountered a variety of driving situations, giving them the skills and knowledge to handle challenging situations safely. This can help reduce the risk of accidents and other safety issues within your company.
2. Increased efficiency
Experienced truck drivers are typically more efficient at their job because they have a better understanding of the most efficient routes and techniques for loading and unloading cargo. This can result in cost savings for your company and improved delivery times for your customers.
3. Greater reliability
Experienced truck drivers are often more reliable because they have a better understanding of the demands of the job and are better able to manage their time and responsibilities. This can lead to fewer missed deliveries and more reliable service for your customers.
4. Improved customer service
In addition to the technical skills that experienced truck drivers bring to the job, they also often have excellent customer service skills. These drivers have likely had the opportunity to interact with a wide range of customers and have developed the ability to handle difficult situations with professionalism and tact.
5. Greater job satisfaction
Experienced truck drivers are often more satisfied with their jobs because they have a better understanding of what to expect and are better able to handle the challenges of the job. This can lead to improved retention and reduced turnover, which can be beneficial for your company.
While hiring experienced truck drivers can bring numerous benefits to your company, there are also potential challenges to consider. These drivers may be more expensive to hire, and you may need to offer competitive compensation and benefits packages to attract them. Additionally, experienced drivers may be less open to new ideas and ways of doing things, and they may be resistant to change. It is important to consider these potential challenges and find ways to address them in order to fully benefit from the skills and expertise of experienced drivers.
6. Better customer service skills
Experienced truck drivers often have excellent customer service skills because they have had the opportunity to interact with a wide range of customers and have developed the ability to handle difficult situations with professionalism and tact. New CDL graduates may have less developed customer service skills because they have less experience interacting with customers.
7. It costs less in the long-term
If you use a truck driver recruiting service like No Risk Recruits, the cost to hire an experienced driver and a new CDL driver with less OTR experience is the same. You may only need to offer competitive compensation and benefits packages to attract the more experienced drivers but otherwise, it’s the same. New CDL graduates, on the other hand, would be the same cost to hire but would require a lot more training over time because they have less experience.
Conclusion: Hiring experienced drivers for your trucking company gives you an advantage
Hiring experienced truck drivers can bring numerous benefits to your trucking company, including an improved safety record, increased efficiency, greater reliability, improved customer service, and greater job satisfaction. While there may be some challenges to consider, the overall value of hiring experienced drivers can be significant. By attracting and retaining experienced drivers, you can build a strong team that is well-equipped to handle the demands of the trucking industry.