The results of the Transport Capital Partners’ (TCP) fourth quarter 2012 business expectations are in, showing that 80% of carriers are now willing to invest in young, properly trained drivers.
This news follows a third quarter of 2012 report that proved difficult for carriers to swallow. That quarter, driver turnover increased 100%, leaving carriers wondering how to keep quality drivers. So carriers are having to change the way they do things in order to bring in quality professionals.
As of now, only 30% of carriers are willing to support young, entry-level drivers, with no experience. Larger carriers are much more able to train and develop inexperienced drivers, since they have more money and resources to invest in entry-level drivers. But, in the future, the survey showed that 51% of carriers will be willing to help entry-level drivers get a start in the industry. This shows that many carriers will be willing to put forth the time and resources to train drivers with no experience.
“Investment in effective training programs will be essential to our industry,” said Steven Dutro, TCP partner. “Those who are successful in properly training and developing loyalty will gain a real competitive advantage. Developing the proper programs and corporate culture should be considered a critical investment in the future.”
But carriers agree: pay must increase for drivers.
“Past surveys have indicated that pay must go up to significantly higher levels over the long-term,” said Richard Mikes, TCP partner. 66% of carriers surveyed expect driver wages to increase by 5%.
“Everyone in the supply chain needs to recognize the critical need to pay a little more to keep quality drivers moving the freight,” said Mikes. The survey showed nearly 80% of carriers expect driver wages to increase in 2013, which should attract many drivers, younger and older, to stay in the profession.