A recent survey by U.S. trucking satellite firm EpicVue found that driver preferences for “perks” and other intangible benefits vary by age demographics.
“Our most recent survey indicates that driver preferences, based on demographics, can help carriers understand the issues that lead to improved retention,” said Lance Platt, CEO of EpicVue during a presentation given at the Workforce Builders Conference organized by the Truckload Carriers Association.
As reported by CCJ magazine, The survey was conducted in one-on-one conversations with drivers at truckstops across North America in 2016.
“Money is top of mind for all drivers,” Platt reported, “but perks play a pivotal role in attracting drivers to carriers. Perks were rated highest by millennials, were a dominant factor for Gen X’ers, followed by company reputation, and narrowly outweighed location as the top priority among baby boomers, who also still considered company reputation significant.”
“Perks” were defined as things like retirement savings plans, health care, larger cabs, satellite TV and radio, vacation time, updated in-cab equipment and incentives.
“When it comes to driver loyalty,” Platt added, “communication and respect are noticeably rated low as factors for millennials but are dominant among Gen X’ers, and loyalty is the most significant for baby boomers.”
Platt also pointed out that finding millennials who are working as truck drivers was a challenge.
For “communication” the defining factors were feeling valued by the company through e-mail, online forums, calls, texts and other messages, and maintaining contact to show interest in a driver’s well-being.
“Respect” was defined by the survey as honesty in all dealings and listening when a driver expresses a concern, recognizing a driver’s time and experience, remembering special dates and anniversaries and showing acts of appreciation for something the driver does, as well as providing job advancement opportunities.
