Drivers are the backbone of the trucking industry, playing a critical role in operations, delivery, and safety every day and every mile. Unfortunately, hiring and retaining CDL-A truck drivers remains a challenge for many trucking companies. The truck driver shortage is a perennial problem in the industry, compounded by a rapidly aging workforce. According to a recent post from the American Trucking Associations, the average age for truck drivers in the U.S. is 46 and continues to rise.
This post will explore the challenges facing trucking companies and how Truckers Flow can help you attract, hire, and retain drivers for your business.
Several factors contribute to the difficulties in hiring and retaining truck drivers:
Clearly outlining the qualifications and experience required for drivers can streamline the recruitment process. For example, many of our clients look for varying levels of experience: Jerzy Trucking requires only 5 months, IDS Express seeks 1 year, while most prefer drivers with 2 years of experience. Common requirements across the board include no SAP violations, no moving violations, and an active CDL.
Creating compelling job postings is a crucial strategy for attracting the right truck drivers. At Truckers Flow, we’ve perfected the art of crafting job ads that highlight the unique benefits and culture of trucking companies, resulting in higher lead generation and lower cost per result (CPR). Here are some examples of our work and best practices for creating effective ads.
Short and Engaging Titles
Using clear, engaging titles that specify the job type and location can draw immediate attention. For example:
a) “OTR CDL-A Drivers Needed – Home Weekly!”
b) “Regional CDL-A Drivers – Competitive Pay and Benefits!”
Creating ads that convert involves understanding what drivers want to see.
a) Pay Rate: drivers want clear information about their potential earnings.
b) Bonuses: highlighting sign-on bonuses and performance incentives can be very appealing.
c) Retirement Plans: Information about 401(k) and other retirement benefits.
d) Home Time: emphasizing home time arrangements can attract drivers who prioritize work-life balance.
Showcase Company Culture
Including testimonials from current drivers and mentioning unique perks can make your company stand out. For instance, with one of our clients, Golden Way Trucking, we generated 157 leads with a CPR of $6 solely using reel format testimonials. This demonstrates the power of dynamic and engaging content in attracting potential drivers.
Best Practices from our expert team
Our strategic approach ensures more efficient spending and higher lead quality. Here are some results from our recent campaigns:
These results outperform the industry averages. According to industry data, the typical CPR for driver leads can range from $8 to $20 depending on the market and job specifics. Truckers Flow’s tailored approach often achieves a significantly lower CPR, demonstrating our effectiveness in targeting the right candidates efficiently.
A strong employer brand plays a vital role in drawing in potential CDL-A drivers. Given that many drivers turn to social media for reviews and social proof, it’s essential to maintain an active, engaging online presence. By creating a positive, inclusive company culture and showcasing it through your website and social media channels, you can attract skilled truck drivers. Building a compelling employer brand involves harnessing the power of social media.
Many of our clients first started with Job Boards, like Craigslist and Indeed. These job boards are ideal for small trucking companies looking to hire 2-3 truckers. Craigslist and Indeed are excellent for tapping into a pool of active truck drivers. However, when you need a larger pool of truckers, it’s better to use Facebook Ads.
Unlike Craigslist, Indeed, and similar job boards, Facebook Ads offer more specific and detailed targeting options. When you need to hire more drivers, it’s better to leverage Facebook Ads. You can benefit from detailed targeting based on demographics, interests, and other factors, ensuring your ads reach the most suitable candidates.
Some of our clients are recruiting agencies, and we have gained interesting insights from them. How many times have you faced issues with too many duplicates, unqualified drivers, or drivers not from the hiring area? With Facebook Ads, you won’t have this problem. As a marketing agency specializing in the trucking industry, we know how to focus your ad budget on the right drivers. Using custom audiences, we ensure your ads reach the most relevant candidates, reducing wasted resources and increasing efficiency.
Creating effective job postings is crucial for successful recruitment. Emphasizing clear titles, key benefits, and a positive company culture can help draw in the right CDL-A drivers. At Truckers Flow, we specialize in crafting job ads that stand out and appeal to truck drivers. Our goal is to help you attract dedicated drivers who are the perfect fit for your team, ensuring your trucks are always rolling and minimizing downtime. Partner with us to enhance your recruitment efforts, and avoid the costly consequences of an empty fleet.
To help your trucking company grow.
Useful Links