In the modern logistics industry, the digital era is becoming more established as it is revamping the existing business and creating a proactive business model. Nowadays, fleet managers are implementing technological advancements to address the major issue of the truck driver shortage. Advancing innovative integrations and a variety of new-age platforms and devices can make a significant difference to solve the shortage of truck drivers.
What is causing the truck driver shortage in 2021?
There is no doubt in saying that the trucking industry has struggled with a shortage of truck drivers for a long time. But the situation has been exacerbated by the global pandemic. The companies are struggling to get the drivers back to work due to their prevailing health conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some of the fundamental reasons are the demographic lack of available qualified drivers, low pay, unsatisfactory working conditions, and many more. Due to the present scenario logistics costs are rising substantially. It is essential for fleet managers to rethink their management approaches that can ease the problem of the driver shortage. Modern technology can increase the overall efficiency of logistics operations.
Here are few causes for the truck driver shortage:
Some of the major challenges faced by Indian truck drivers are:
- Economic condition- Low pay is one of the most common reasons for the truck driver shortage. In addition, wages affect the ability of the driver to perform better. It is not wrong to say that the wages offered are not enough that is even worth the sacrifices the drivers make for the job.
- Company Culture- Drivers are leaving the company due to a poor working environment and culture. No overtime pay, little flexibility in schedules are some of the non-competitive terms of employment.
- Health-related aspects- Long-haul truck driving can cause major stress and fatigue to the drivers. Nowadays drivers are understanding the true value of work-life balance and are not willing to compromise on their health.
- Age and Gender demographics- The truck drivers are on average older than workers in other industries. The shortage of drivers is directly related to the current workforce, primarily age, and gender as we can see that the industry prefers older males.
- Lack of New Talent- Young people are entering the workforce without any truck driving experience. The major issue that is arising is not about the quantity, but more so the quality of applicants.
Prevailing Status of Truck Drivers in India
Truck drivers form the backbone of the transportation industry. However, as per the economic times report we can see a substantial drop in market demand during the lockdown. It is mentioned that “Over 21% of operators indicated that despite the challenges in lockdown 2.0, the overall business environment was better than lockdown 1.0”
Undoubtedly, the second wave has damaged the trucking operations but still, the industry is expecting improvement in the overall situation and market recovery by September 2021.
Strategic Solutions to Address the Truck Driver Shortage
Create New Opportunities
The industry’s inability to draw in new drivers is due to a lack of local opportunities and to have a better work/life balance. It is important for fleet managers to understand what is important to the rising generation of workers. One should solve the major issues of driver shortage such as decreasing time on the road, company culture, and many more. It is advisable to adopt an effective fleet management platform and create new opportunities to find and keep good drivers.
Leverage technology
Embracing new-age technologies can create new efficiencies and have the ability to monitor fleet movement, document incidents, driver’s safety, etc. Investing in telematics technology can enhance the well-being of your drivers and vehicles. Therefore, it will reduce the driving stress and breakdown of your fleets. To sum up, embracing advanced technological trends is in the best interest of truck drivers. Tech-savvy drivers can be extremely beneficial to trucking companies as well.
Improve culture
There are several logistics organizations that are aiming to improve the culture and work conditions. By enticing recruitment and retention incentives, we can help the drivers to deem fleet driving as an attractive long-term career. Adopting grass-root initiatives such as reducing the extended waiting times at shipping and receiving facilities is the best way to enhance the work condition. Streamlined driver’s workflow can reduce stress and fatigue.
Better Training
The driver requires substantial training to enhance their competencies, behaviors, and techniques. Skilled and experienced drivers on the road can prevent road accidents and other mishappenings. A truck driver training program is the best enterprise to encourage and prepare new drivers for future responsibilities. Establishing an optimal driver training program is important so that drivers can be aware of safety and compliance.
Increase driver pay
Offering higher wages with comprehensive benefits can reduce the problem of the truck driver shortage. The key to preventing burnout is to improve the pay structures and incentives of the drivers. The job requires long hours and rewarding is considered to be the best in the business. There are several ways such as sign-on bonuses, guaranteed minimum weekly pay, and many more, that can greatly increase job satisfaction.
Autonomous technology
Embracing automated technology can work wonders as it is known to be a valuable source of support for newer drivers. It can be utilized by fleets owners which can help to ease the strain of trucking demand. Implementation of 5G networking with new-age technologies such as GPS tracking system and uninterrupted connectivity could benefit the truck drivers and fleet managers. In addition, technological advancements can boost customer satisfaction as well.
Final Thoughts
The trucking industry in India should understand the underlying size of this issue. It is imperative to take the measures mentioned above to protect the future of the trucking industry. Therefore, it is prudent to make informed decisions that can increase the safety and operational efficiency of truck drivers. Creating an environment where drivers have continuous opportunities will empower them and is the best way to cope with the truck driver shortage.
