Driver turnover at large carriers jumped to 98 percent, which is the highest it’s been in over three years.
Driver turnover is a big problem for the nations trucking companies. The constant flow of new drivers leaves many companies in a repeating loop of hiring and training which is not only time consuming, but very expensive.
But although these issues are of great concern to many trucking companies, they aren’t the only issues that the turnover is creating. It turns out that the turnover can also negatively impact a carrier’s CSA score.
So how is it that driver turnover can impact CSA score? Research has shown that the more frequently a driver switches job’s, the more likely the more likely they are to be involved in a crash. This is all according to analysis conducted by the FMCSA of information in the Motor Carrier Management System that showed a significant relationship between driver crash rates and turnover. According to the information, there is a correlation between crash rate increase and the number of job changes a driver goes through each year.
There is a simple reason for this relationship. People take time to get used to a new job. Unfamiliar routes, varying cargo types and even a different truck all take time to get used to. Over time, these changes become part of the normal routine, and as a result, drivers are much less likely to make an error that could compromise either their safety or the integrity of the cargo.
So, what can the carriers do to deal with these issues? Creating an environment that will both attract and keep top drivers is the key. Prioritizing work-life balance, providing a competitive benefits package and building a positive workplace culture are a few important steps you can take to lower turnover. Only through such incentive programs can the issue of driver turnover be solved.
