7 Ways to Recruit Younger Truck Drivers
ATRI interviewed 100 carriers and the young drivers of those carriers to understand what they were looking for in a trucking company. Given the current truck driver shortage recruiting younger drivers for your business is vital to sustaining your endeavors.
Career Not a Job
Many young drivers are looking for a field where they can grow their skills in the long term. Promoting the trucking industry as a career and not a job can help appeal to the younger audience.
“Younger adults want a skilled trade that they can master but whereby they can continue to grow over the long run, and they want the ability to develop it in multiple directions as their own lives continue to grow and develop,” ATRI officials wrote.
Emphasize Cool Technology
It’s no secret like young people like technology, to cater to your audience place an emphasis on the latest trucking technology.
Pay a Decent Starting Wage
40% of young drivers said compensation was the most important factor when considering this career. Of the carriers that were interviewed, those with higher starting wages found it less difficult to find potential drivers.
Truck drivers often shy away from discussing money, but having an open and honest discussion about starting truck driver wages is a great way to show transparency for the industry.
Offer a Referral Bonus
73% of younger drivers were introduced to the industry by an adult relative or parental guardian. Offering a referral bonus is an incentive for young drivers to pick your company as opposed to a different company.
Update Recruitment Materials
25% of the young drivers that were surveyed said they would like to see companies include younger people in their non-recruitment ads and company material in general.
You want to cater to your target audience, this is one of the most beneficial ways to do this.
Emphasize Training
Many young drivers said their biggest concern with joining the industry did not have the necessary skills to be safe drivers. There was a large concern with training and the extent to which they would be trained.
When promoting your business, place emphasis on the training that will take place to ensure safe and successful drivers.
Utilize Social Media
Over 80% of people aged 18-25 utilize at least one form of social media every day. Not utilizing social media as a way to recruit younger drivers is a disservice. It is a huge platform that is being underutilized.
The Best Site For Finding A Trucking Job
There are a few websites that young drivers can use to find entry-level, no experience needed, truck driving jobs. The most popular sites include; TruckDrivingJobs.com, FindATruckingJob.com, and TruckingTruth.com.
How to get a CDL
According to, Driving Test, “CDL” stands for Commercial Driver’s License. A CDL is a driver’s license required to operate large, heavy, or placarded hazardous material vehicles for commercial purposes in the United States.
Each type of CDL and endorsement requires that you pass a written test; some also require a skills test. Some types of endorsements have additional requirements.
- Be at least 21+ years of age.
- For Class A or Class B CDL, complete FMCSA-approved training providers.
- Submit a state-specific, CDL application and pay any fees.
- Provide identity and social security verification.
- Provide proof of state and country residency.
- Submit a Medical Examination Report Form and Medical Examiner’s Certificate Form.
- Pass a vision test.
- Pass a knowledge exam.
- Once you pass the knowledge exam, you will be given a CLP (commercial learner’s permit).
- Wait at least 14 days before you schedule your CDL road skills exam.
- Pass a pre-trip inspection.
- Pass the road and driving exam (you will need your own truck for this).
- Pay the necessary fees for your new CDL and start truckin’!
Why do I need a CDL?
According to FMCSA, drivers have been required to have a CDL in order to drive certain commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) since 1992. FMCSA has developed and issued standards for state testing and licensing of CDL holders.
These standards require states to issue CDLs to certain CMV drivers only after the driver passes knowledge and skills tests administered by the state and related to the type of vehicle the driver expects to operate.
Drivers are required to obtain and hold a CDL if they operate in interstate, intrastate, or foreign commerce and drive a vehicle that meets one or more of the classifications of a CMV.
Restrictions are placed on a CDL when a driver takes the skills test in a vehicle that lacks critical equipment present in particular types of CMVs.
Therefore, to avoid restrictions, drivers should take the skills test in the same type of vehicle for which they are seeking a CDL to operate.
Best Truck Driving School
Truck driving school is a very important step in the process of becoming a truck driver. It is one of the easiest ways to get industry experience as well as the most effective preparation for taking your CDL test.
The top 3 truck driving schools in the US are Roadmaster Driving School, Sage Driving School, and C.R. England Premier Truck Driving School.
It’s important to note that there are many other reputable truck driving schools available, and it’s essential to do your research before choosing a school.
Look for schools that have a good reputation, experienced instructors, modern equipment, and job placement assistance for graduates.
Financing a Semi-Truck
Looking to buy a semi-truck and need semi-truck financing? This step-by-step truck financing guide will walk you through the process. Whether you’re a driver, owner-operator, small fleet owner, or large fleet owner, we have a semi-truck financing program for you regardless of your credit history.
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Conclusion
With the current trucking shortage, it is more important than ever to recruit new drivers. With the current generation of drivers retiring, it’s time to change tactics for how you go about catering to the new generation of drivers.
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