The driver turnover rate for large carriers hit a 3-year high in the third quarter of 2015.
According to the American Trucking Association, the turnover rate at large truckload carriers reached 100% during the third quarter. In contrast, the turnover rate at small carriers dropped to 68% — the lowest turnover rate for small carriers since 2011.
It is just one data point, so it is hard to draw any real conclusions on what is happening with turnover,” ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello said. “However, the increase in the turnover rate at large carriers matches up with what we’ve been hearing anecdotally from fleets: that the market for drivers continues to be tight.”
During the first three quarters of 2015, the turnover rate for large carriers averaged 90% — a drop from 2014’s average of 95%, while the turnover rate for small carriers averaged 75%.
“The split in the truckload turnover rates is not unusual, but may be caused by a variety and combination of factors,” Costello said. “We may likely have a clearer picture of the driver market once fourth quarter turnover figures are in so we can better analyze any possible trend.”