Study: Giving Truckers Non-Driving Tasks May Encourage Retention

LAS VEGAS — Giving drivers the opportunity to take on responsibilities outside the truck cab will encourage retention, according to a survey unveiled this week.

Seventy five percent of the 725 truckload drivers surveyed said a career path would make them more interested in staying with the same company for a longer period of time. Additionally, 62% of the drivers said a career path could reduce truckload driver turnover and 59% said they would be less likely to quit their jobs if they had the opportunity to take on non-driving responsibilities.

The survey by the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute at North Dakota State University is part of a larger study on the importance of career paths to drivers. The survey was unveiled at TCA’s annual meeting here this week.

"Drivers expressed a strong desire for a career path," Griffin said. "Drivers feel that a career path will improve retention."

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