Trucking is a notoriously arduous way to make a living. In fact, it’s been ranked as one of the most stressful jobs a person can have. The stress of long days spent behind the wheel has recently been exacerbated by supply chain issues that further complicate a trucker’s job. One of these issues is the shortage of truckers themselves! With fewer drivers to haul cargo, those truckers who are on the road are burdened with more responsibility. Strategists who want to overcome these challenges may wonder, how do you solve supplier issues, and what are issues or challenges facing today’s supply chain? Read on for more information on how truckers can play a part in supply chain solutions.
Better Recruiting and Retainment Practices
The shortage of truckers is arguably the most pressing gap in the supply chain facing the U.S. economy today. To fix this, trucking companies need to implement better recruitment and retainment practices to serve their clients and staff alike. There are many problems that negatively impact trucker retainment rates for trucking companies. A few of these issues include the following:
- Long routes with little opportunity for sleep
- Low pay compared to stress and demands of the job
- Ineffective rewards and bonuses for drivers
These problems are just a few of the potential reasons why truck drivers may not stick around for long after landing a job. Trucking companies that want to alleviate the supply chain shortages can start by offering better resources and opportunities to their drivers. This alone may have a substantial impact on the shortage and greatly minimize the consistent turnover that seems to plague the trucking industry. When truckers are treated well, they’re far less likely to leave a job, and retainment is a key goal.
Be Adaptable Throughout Crises
There are many character traits that a person must possess to be a successful trucker. One of the most important of these is a sense of adaptability. As demand increases and dispatchers face routing challenges, truckers must be adaptable to changes in plan and increases in their workload. Changes and challenges aren’t an ideal part of any job, but when it comes to maintaining a successful trucking business, it’s an imperative characteristic.
Adaptability in trucking can take many forms, but for drivers, it’s a matter of going with the flow. In some instances, for example, truckers are asked to drive a different kind of truck than they may usually operate. Because of the truck driver shortage, there is a surplus of cargo that needs to be shipped, and sometimes operating a bigger truck is necessary to deliver the entirety of a client’s cargo on time. In other cases, a trucker may need to alter their route to meet clients’ needs.
Balance Workload With Increasing Demands
Despite the adaptability that trucking demands, it’s vital that truckers maintain personal boundaries and self-care. Though self-care may not be the first thought that comes to mind when a person imagines trucking, it’s an essential way to avoid burnout. According to American Trucker, burnout is a common phenomenon in the trucking profession, and the following can be indicators that you’re approaching your limit:
- Job-related cynicism
- Feelings of physical exhaustion
- Mental and emotional exhaustion
- Lack of confidence in your skills
As the trucker shortage worsens and demand on truckers increases, it may feel like you’re about to cave under the pressure. Rather than work yourself into exhaustion, it’s important to make time for yourself and minimize the impact of a rigorous driving schedule. Burned out truckers will only worsen the supply chain shortages.
Third-Party Logistics Management
One of the solutions recently proposed by trucking companies is the use of third-party logistics management to oversee operations and implement improvements. Some third-party suppliers, for example, implement strategic shifts to a production schedule to optimize delivery timetables. Though it’s difficult to resolve the supply chain shortage only through changes like these, it’s a step in the right direction to take steps that can fill small gaps.
Other services provided by a third-party logistics company may include storage, distribution, and fulfillment provided in tangent with the trucking company. These solutions are a great way to minimize the pressure on any single person or entity to satisfy all parts of the transport process. With multiple companies working together and optimizing their strengths, the shortages in the supply chain can be mitigated substantially. This keeps customers happy and helps to minimize the burden placed on truck drivers.
Manage Liabilities Effectively
One of the most important, yet most often overlooked considerations, is the spike in liability that can occur when shortages in the supply chain appear. Shortages cause increased pressure, increased pressure can cause rushed jobs, and rushed jobs can lead to risks that should have been avoided. Truckers who are under pressure to drive longer than usual routes, for example, face a greater risk of accidents due to sleep deprivation.
This is just one of many liabilities that the trucking industry faces if supply chain issues are not resolved. Luckily, truck insurance can cover many of the liabilities that often impact truckers and their employers. A truck insurance policy may cover risks such as damage caused by accidents, physical injuries that occur on the job, lost or damaged cargo, and an array of other incidents. Offset the risk of supply chain issues and prepare for the unexpected by investing in an insurance policy for your trucking company.
About Western Truck Insurance Services
Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state of the art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates, and coverage changes. Contact us today at (800) 937-8785 to learn more!