THRIVE's Blog for the Transportation Industry

Beyond Compensation

It is common knowledge that there is extremely high turnover in the transportation industry. Your people are able to consider other opportunities, but it's not always about more money. The transportation industry needs to look beyond compensation as a means to recruit and retain good drivers and other team members.

Beyond Compensation 2

If you want people who are committed to your organization, you must demonstrate a commitment to them.

GROWTH
People want opportunities to better themselves and continually grow. Provide support in their personal development, and offer feedback about their progress. Ask for their input and suggestions that will move the business forward.

CONNECTION
Even though the majority of your team may be working independently out on the road, they still want to feel that they are involved and are part of the team. Keep everyone informed about issues affecting the team and the organization. Make sure they know leaders are listening when they face obstacles or have concerns.

TRUST & RESPECT
The increased level of engagement, performance and commitment that results from mutual trust and respect in the workplace cannot be underestimated. People take accountability when they are involved in decision-making and trusted to do what needs to be done.

APPRECIATION
It's important to remember that appreciation isn't one special day of the year to acknowledge your team. Appreciation should be ongoing. People need to know that the work they are doing is making a positive impact on the customers, their fellow team members, and the communities where they live and work. They want to know that they bring value to the organization.

Making a commitment to your team will inspire them and will let them know that they are integral to the success of the organization. This will build pride and loyalty among the team; and, they will convey that pride and loyalty to customers and to potential new hires.

A Proactive Safety Culture in Transportation

Guest Contributor: Jeff Simon, Transportation Consultant/Owner of DOT Safety Plus

One of the most important ingredients of a successful transportation business is a proactive safety culture. This demands a focused management control of risks that can result in injuries or fatalities. Driving a commercial motor vehicle is consistently included in the Department of Labor's top 3 most dangerous professions. It only takes a split second for a fundamental principle to be compromised with devastating consequences.

The basic principles of a proactive safety culture must include:

1. Strong upper management commitment accompanied by the necessary allocation of appropriate resources.

2. Corporate strategies that have been translated into meaningful procedures and policies, job descriptions and performance indicators. Everyone knows what is expected of them and they receive regular training that keeps necessary skills up to date and safety as a priority.

3. Daily dashboards that monitor critical performance and regulatory requirements. Managers who are provided with the tools necessary to ensure that tasks within their control are functioning properly. The Department of Transportation has mandated that adequate management control must be established in six areas of the business:

Insurance & Risk Management
Driver Qualifications
Operations & Hours of Service Limitations
Vehicle Maintenance
Hazardous Materials
Accident Tracking & Benchmarking

4. Accountability that is maintained with an appropriate response to the above performance indicators; counseling and progressive disciplinary actions that are used to keep responsibilities within set tolerances; and, safety performance that is constantly discussed and evaluated.

5. Regular assessments conducted, such as simulated DOT compliance reviews to identify areas that may need to be revitalized to ensure that existing programs remain vibrant.

CJ Innovator: Veriha Trucking's Scientific Approach Helps it Attract, Retain Younger Workforce

By Jeff Crissey