Truck drivers seeking better pay, more home time
In its most recent truck driver survey, Professional Driver Agency and Conversion Interactive Agency found that 41% of drivers are currently looking for a new driving job. That’s the highest percentage of job-seeking drivers since the survey has been asking the question.
Although the percentage of truck drivers looking for new opportunities remains virtually unchanged since spring, that number is up significantly from a year ago. In the fall 2023 survey, only 33% indicated they were looking for a new job.
How can carriers retain current truck drivers or poach drivers from other carriers? The top answer to that question should not be surprising: driver pay. More specifically, 82% of survey respondents said they want predictable pay. Other reasons drivers are looking for greener pastures include:
- More home time (66%)
- Consistent miles (49%)
- Better benefits (48%)
- Better/new equipment (42%)
Money talks. In fact, more money appears to be more important than more time at home. More than half of truck drivers indicated they likely would not consider a job that offered improved home time in exchange for a reduction in pay.
Among those not looking for a new job, the majority said they are happy with where they are. However, more than one in five truck drivers not currently job-seeking suggested they may look for other opportunities once the economy improves.
Job-seeking truck drivers may get the leverage they need after the drawn-out freight recession ends. The survey points out that when freight improves, turnover will rise.
Fewer than half of surveyed truck drivers indicated they’re looking for a new job now, but this group may become the majority in better economic conditions. When accounting for drivers who are waiting for a better economy, more than 60% of drivers either are actively looking for a new job or will be looking soon.
The survey reflects the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association’s narrative that there is not a driver shortage in the trucking industry. Instead, the driver turnover rates are high because truckers often leave large carriers in search of better pay and working conditions.
“For far too long, policies, regulations and laws in Washington, D.C., have been driven and continue to be driven by this fake narrative that is being pushed by other organizations in the trucking world,” OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh said. “Because everybody thinks we have this shortage, so we have to hurry up and get people driving trucks … No. What we need to do is slow down, stop and invest in the people who we are bringing in our industry so we can keep them in our industry.” LL