News Article: Is A Guaranteed Minimum Pay The Solution To The Driver Shortage?

As you stated, training is an issue. I have a cirriculum and was going to make certain suggestions to Prime very shortly. One being giving newly upgraded drivers a written test. If they fail, the trainer shouldn't get the upgrade bonus. There are some trainers who stick a trainee on night shift and say "drive 65mph and dont stop". That isnt training. and it is incredibly stressful.

I also want to suggest a mentoring program. The top drivers under each fleet manager who are willing to answer questions and support new drivers on the dispatchers board could receive either a bonus or rewards points (we get them to spend in the store, cafe, spa at the terminal). that way not only are they helped 24hr a day by drivers who understand, but they are taught what their individual FM expects as well, as freeing up the dispatchers time with stupid questions or ones he can't answer.

I have a few ideas. Cool thing about these companies is that they actually want to hear the ideas.

But Rainy, it's finding the right type of trainer. Some are just in for the money and could care less for the student. As Grumpy and I have found out. They are not interested in showing the right way to do something. They would rather do it themselves this way they an get it done and be on to other things why the student is wondering what the hell did he/she just do. But I like the idea if the student isn't ready come time and he didn't get the right mentoring they shouldn't get the bonus. Now I'm also suggesting that all mentors are like the ones mentioned above.

Maybe we should put those kind of trainers in your dungeon for week and see if they swim or not.

When I was looking into prime the guaranteed $700 helped give me a base idea of what I will make at least.

I know it will be more, depending on me, but for some reason it was more helpful than "you can make up to blah blah dollars!" I tend to scoff at those kind of claims.

On that, you could guarantee someone whatever you want, if it's not for them it doesn't matter. However, perhaps it'd help folks like me have a little comfort knowing the minimum as apposed to those "up to" promises.

That is the way it works at Swift. When it is time to upgrade the student takes a written test, road test, and a backing test. If the student fails they are either sent with another mentor for 50 more hours or are sent home. In either case the original mentor does not get the bonus.

Our bonus is also tied to our student's performance. We get a certain amount based off their driver ranking at 30,000 miles.

As you stated, training is an issue. I have a cirriculum and was going to make certain suggestions to Prime very shortly. One being giving newly upgraded drivers a written test. If they fail, the trainer shouldn't get the upgrade bonus. There are some trainers who stick a trainee on night shift and say "drive 65mph and dont stop". That isnt training. and it is incredibly stressful.

I also want to suggest a mentoring program. The top drivers under each fleet manager who are willing to answer questions and support new drivers on the dispatchers board could receive either a bonus or rewards points (we get them to spend in the store, cafe, spa at the terminal). that way not only are they helped 24hr a day by drivers who understand, but they are taught what their individual FM expects as well, as freeing up the dispatchers time with stupid questions or ones he can't answer.

I have a few ideas. Cool thing about these companies is that they actually want to hear the ideas.

It was definitely the lifestyle for me. Although I miss the open road, it's tough for individuals with families to be on the road while life goes on back home. I'd be interested to see what companies do to attract drivers. Honestly, I don't know of profit margins for carriers are large enough to pay drivers what they want. I saw an article somewhere recently saying all drivers should be making 6 figures. That's possible here at fedex but after lots of time put in. Money does play a part but it's definitely not the only thing.

Unfortunately trucking mostly attracts 40 - 65 year olds who can't find work in their chosen professions anymore and have otherwise run out of good options.

There should be a flood of 21 - 35 year old single folk with no families looking for a great career and an exciting life, but there aren't many of those that take a serious look at trucking.

Your reasoning is not 100 percent true though. Why is it unfortunate. Most of the safe drivers are people over 40 and most crashes are made by drivers under 30. Also it is not 100% true that that many older people select this job becuase they don't have any other options. For many of them it is a childhood dream which they wanted to do but never got a chance becuase of family, kids and other commitments.

Another thing is about 21-35 age group. You mentioned they are single with no family but you forget about their social life. I know you started driving in your early 20s but most people in this age group just want to party with their friends. I don't think most of these age group want to leave their girlfriends and friends and live a solitary life. It needs a special dedication. Especially when they see their friends posting their party life on Instagram and facebook. Also more and more americans are staying with their parents till 30s and they don't have to worry much about their financial situations.

According to the American Trucking Associations we will be short of 175,000 drivers by 2026. So companies should do something. But whatever companies do it will be hard to attract people under 30s becuase at that age your way of thinking is different. Also they shouldn't be doing that since that is the time you enjoy your life with friends and driving is something you can do any time.