"Recruit, train and retain” plan key for food
companies"
In
an industry where on-time deliveries are crucial, the on-going truck driver
shortage is causing even more challenges for food manufacturers, distributors,
grocers and other companies playing a role in the food supply chain.
Driver-shortage-Ryder
The
Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported that more than 92 percent of
prepared foods, including dairy products and prepared fruit, vegetable and nut
products, were moved by truck in 2013. Anyone in the industry knows that a
delay in food deliveries increases the risk of spoilage and could ultimately
result in financial losses.
The
driver shortage is one significant reason why trucks can be delayed. It is estimated the industry will need 22,000
new drivers in 2015 alone. With driver turnover rates nearing 100%, drivers
retiring and a low amount of drivers entering the workforce, the shortage could
pose a big threat to the food industry.
The
typical day for a professional driver includes an average of 10 stops, lifting
hundreds of packages, rotating inventory, stocking shelves, providing excellent
customer service and, of course, driving a truck. Having a driver who can
complete all these tasks on a daily basis is key in maintaining customer
satisfaction and loyalty.
The
best solution for the driver shortage is to create a strong program focused on
recruiting, training and retaining drivers. This will not only guarantee
on-time delivery of fresh products, but it will provide customers with the
great service they expect.
Implementing
a robust recruitment program can be two-fold – allowing you to fill current
open positions and build a talent pool for the future. One thing to remember is
a food and beverage industry driver is far different from an over-the-road
driver. When recruiting, you need to be specific about the requirements of
being a food and beverage industry driver.
You
also need to identify where you search for high quality candidates. One place not
to overlook is your warehouse. It is very possible a strong employee who knows
the company, client and products may want to become a driver. Hiring from
within also lowers driver turnover.
The
risk is high if you hire the wrong driver, as there can be safety issues,
unsatisfied customers and lower productivity.
The
second crucial factor to lower the impact of the driver shortage is to have a
comprehensive training program. One of the most effective ways to improve fleet
safety, minimize crashes and improve customer satisfaction is to consistently
train drivers on key job functions.
With
constant changes to federal guidelines and rising customer expectations, well
trained drivers are able to handle the daily challenges of delivering goods
safely and on time. On-going training is a small investment that delivers big
benefits for companies – it brings more productivity and is a vital step in the
retention of drivers.
With
the driver turnover rate continuing to increase, driver retention has become
one of the biggest challenges in the industry. It is estimated that two-thirds
of the drivers who are leaving their positions are doing so voluntarily.
Among
the many aspects drivers are looking for from an employer are predictable home
time, fair pay and giving them the opportunity to have input on work
assignments. Making a commitment to your current and newly recruited drivers is
critical to having a low driver turnover.
This
commitment should include treating drivers with respect, providing a work-life
balance and providing safe equipment.
There
is no question that the entire industry is facing the challenges of the driver
shortage. In the food industry, having a program that focuses on recruiting,
training and retaining drivers will help keep the products you are moving fresh
and your customers happy. It’s a program that can keep food from spoiling and
your bottom line growing.
Jorge
Salas is Vice President of Operations for Ryder Dedicated at Ryder System Inc.
He is responsible for managing a portfolio of more than 70 customers in various
industries such as newspapers, food distribution, retail, and building
materials. Ryder Dedicated helps customers manage their private fleet needs,
and at times, the overall optimization of their transportation network.
http://blog.ryder.com/2014/10/keeping-products-fresh-driver-shortage/#sthash.pPsc1aSF.dpuf