We wrote earlier this year about the nuanced situation regarding whether there truly is a truck driver shortage in Texas. As we explained, it’s not a simple yes or no. Today, however, we want to elaborate on the solutions we proposed only briefly in that post. Here goes!
Seven Possible Solutions to Avoid A Truck Driver Shortage
1 Work with Subcontractors Who Invest in Driver Stability
When you’re relying on subcontractors to keep your projects moving, a truck driver shortage is the last thing you want.
Their ability to maintain a steady, experienced team of drivers becomes your issue too. So, check references and seek out hauling partners who make driver recruitment and retention a priority. Talk to the drivers if you get a chance.
Those who offer consistent hours, training opportunities, and respect for the driver’s time are far more likely to avoid disruptions. If they treat their drivers well, you’ll feel the results on your job site.
2 Pay Attention to Their Compensation Model
It might not be your name on the paychecks, but the way your hauling partners compensate their drivers to avoid a truck driver shortage has a direct impact on your schedule!
So, don’t be afraid to ask about their pay structure and whether they offer competitive wages, benefits, and incentives.
In our decades of experience in the industry, we’ve see how haulers who cut corners with compensation often find themselves scrambling for drivers. Or worse, losing them mid-project. There are fewer surprises for you if you ensure your partners take compensation seriously.
3 Check Their Working Conditions to Avoid Truck Driver Shortages
A subcontractor’s ability to keep drivers – good drivers – year after year often comes down to how well they manage their drivers’ unavoidable stress and their safety.
Long waits at job sites can seem pointless to them when missing their families. Last-minute dispatches or poor communication can drive them to switch to a different employer.
So – choose hauling partners who keep their schedules organized, respect the driver’s time, and make the work as smooth as possible. Ask for references.
4 Look for Subcontractors Using Modern Fleet Tech
All the smart dump truck companies are using GPS tracking, digital load management, and real-time route optimization. Not just to run a tighter ship, but to make life easier for their drivers.
In hauling services, this reduces driver downtime, cuts back on wasted miles, and creates more predictable routes.
5 Align with Partners Who Develop Their Workforce
Hauling subcontractors avoid a truck driver shortage if they offer ongoing education. Maybe safety refreshers or certifications for operating in complex environments. That’s because they will attract more serious, career-minded drivers.
This stability filters up to your projects when the subcontractor’s driver doesn’t quit mid-contract.
6 Expect a Broader Recruitment Approach
The labor pool is shifting, and the smartest subcontractors are expanding who they bring into the fold.
You can avoid a truck driver shortage if you partner with hauling services who recruit younger drivers, offer pathways for veterans, or create opportunities for women.
When your prospective hauling partner is thinking ahead like this, they’re less likely to have a shortage of truck drivers.
7 Look for Contingency Planning
Even with the best partners, things happen. However, subcontractors with a reliable pool of backup drivers or contingency logistics plans will prevent a driver shortage from affecting you as the general contractor.
Avoid a Truck Driver Shortage with Cowboy Trucking
Here, at Cowboy Trucking, we have a reputation to uphold that was won by our founder, the original Cowboy! We specialize in keeping our large pool of drivers employed all year, happy to stay with us, and exceptional at carrying out the many projects we undertake.
This is why we can confidently say, “We get the job done.” We also use excellent communication to facilitate that, with first-rate tech and homegrown values of reliability and consistency. Let’s have a technical discussion and set the ball rolling.