Let’s face it, few things are worse than getting burned out on the job.
We hear about it all the time in the trucking industry, too. Maybe it’s the driver shortage, or maybe it’s the stress of the job.
But why do people get burned out? What challenges do truckers face that lead to burnout?
Not Enough Money
Nothing can demotivate a driver more than stagnating wages. It’s important to offer competitive rates in the industry, because people will need to be attracted into the profession. Or else labor will dry up over time.
Yet, money isn’t the biggest reason people leave the profession. In fact, money issues rarely account for more than 20% of exits from the industry.
Not Happy with Dispatching
When workers become dissatisfied with their supervisors, they will look for new opportunities elsewhere. We know that tension tends to exist between drivers and dispatchers/managers.
That’s why some companies have started initiatives to better profile and match drivers to dispatchers. This is a step in the right direction, but dispatching can still frustrate drivers.
Whether it’s unpaid wait time, being stranded far from home without a load, or bad directions—truckers have plenty to deal with between hauls.
Understandable how they might feel unappreciated.
No Appreciation
When a driver feels like they matter, they will put more effort and care into their work.
While truckers are used to hearing about their errors, receiving feedback on what they did right could help alleviate the frustrations that come with the job. Plus positive reinforcement from customers can help drivers set their own goals and improve relations.
Whether it’s more customer feedback or initiatives taken to show drivers appreciation, something needs to give. Maybe even more me-time can help out!
No Home Time
Come on, who doesn’t want more time at home? Of course, the problem isn’t always just how much time at home.
But some drivers dislike the infrequency of time home, or the unpredictability of time off. Sometimes it’s just how long each stay is.
Regardless, there should be efforts to maximize the recharging time drivers face when they get to go home. Whether that means routes closer to home or new scheduling efforts, there has to be a way.
Not What They Expected
But after everything is all said and done, a driver might realize this is not what they expected.
And if a driver is told they can earn a certain amount during recruitment, they may start to resent the company if the outcome is different. That results in recruiters looking shady and drivers feeling paranoid.
Maybe the problem isn’t money as much as it is the details of the job — the stress, the diet, or the schedule. Open communication will alleviate a lot of these issues.
One thing drivers won’t have to worry about is e-filing their IRS HVUT 2290 forms, because ExpressTruckTax has your back. Feel free to send us any questions you have at Support@ExpressTruckTax.com or by phone at 704.234.6005.
How do you think we can avoid driver burnout?