As a business owner or manager of a trucking company, you know that there are many moving parts. With so many vehicles on the road and so many employees to manage, it’s no wonder that problems can arise. But what are the most common problems faced by trucking companies? And, more importantly, how can you fix them? Keep reading to find out.
Manpower Shortage
Trucking is a physically demanding job that requires long hours—sometimes weeks at a time. Unfortunately, not everyone is cut out for that lifestyle, meaning the pool of potential employees is smaller than in other industries. This shortage of qualified employees leads to many trucking companies cutting corners to stay afloat.
Additionally, the industry has a high turnover rate; people get burnt out or just don’t like the lifestyle. There are three main ways to deal with this.
Benefits
One of the best options is to offer a competitive benefits package. This can include anything from health insurance to retirement plans, and it’s essential for recruitment and retention efforts.
Agency
If you’re struggling to find enough employees, you may need to contact an agency for additional help. This is a good option for those with low budgets or specific needs that traditional staffing agencies don’t meet.
Improve Career Opportunities
If you have employees considering quitting, find out what they don’t like about the job. It might be as simple as not having a clear career path or lacking variety in their work. By addressing these issues, you can keep your best employees and build morale within your company.
Maintenance Costs
Another common problem faced by trucking companies is high maintenance costs. Trucks are expensive to operate and maintain, and when something goes wrong, they can cost a lot of money to fix. Thankfully, proactive maintenance can help deal with this. Here are three essential maintenance you should do annually.
Oil Change
Trucks require oil changes regularly to keep everything running smoothly. Unfortunately, it’s common for trucking companies to forget or avoid this essential maintenance step, which can lead to engine trouble and expensive repairs later on.
Tire Check
The tires on your trucks also require regular maintenance. Tires that aren’t adequately inflated or sealed can cause various problems, so checking them regularly is essential.
Brakes
Truck brakes are often the first to give out because they work so hard daily. Make sure that yours aren’t wearing down by doing a visual inspection of your brakes and performing mechanical tests at least once per year.
Accidents
Accidents are, unfortunately, something that all trucking companies have to deal with from time to time. It’s estimated that about 5,000 people died due to truck-related accidents in 2020. They’re inevitable when you have so many vehicles on the road. However, you can do things to minimize the risk of accidents.
Training
Untrained truck drivers are the leading cause of trucking accidents. They don’t know how to identify and avoid hazards, so they end up in a crash. Make sure that every driver on your team goes through regular training programs to help reduce the number of accidents on the road.
Driving In Conditions
Another common cause of trucking accidents is driving under unsafe conditions. For many truckers, it’s tempting to ignore the weather report and keep driving in harsh conditions. But this can lead to fatal accidents due to poor visibility or slippery roads. You can reduce your risk by knowing when to stop for the day and checking road conditions before setting out each morning.
Your company can’t avoid all sorts of accidents. That’s why it’s good to have an experienced truck accident attorney to help you out. They can guide you through the legal process and help ensure that your company isn’t held liable for anything. It’s better to have them around even if you don’t need them.
Regulatory Changes
The trucking industry is highly regulated, and those regulations are constantly changing. It can be hard to keep up with all the new rules and ensure that your company complies with them all—but it’s important because if you’re out of compliance, you could face hefty fines or even lose your operating license. The best way to stay on top of regulatory changes is by hiring someone who tracks them and ensures that your company follows all the new rules.
If you own or operate a trucking company, chances are you’ve dealt with your fair share of problems. But don’t despair! There are ways to solve all these problems to keep your business running smoothly all year round. Following the tips above, you can deal with these common issues and keep your company thriving.