Truck Driver Retention in Auto Transportation vs Freight

Did you know about 60,000 truck drivers left the industry in 2024? According to the American Trucking Association, this number is expected to rise, with an additional 82,000 drivers likely to go by the end of the year. This high turnover rate poses serious challenges for the industry.

This issue isn't limited to auto transportation; it also affects the freight transportation sector. In order to prevent a crisis, we must understand the leading causes behind this turnover and explore ways to improve retention in both industries.

In today’s article, we will examine the key factors influencing truck driver retention in auto transportation and freight transportation. But first, let's start by looking at the current state of the auto transport trucking industry.

Overview of the Auto Transport Trucking Industry

The auto transport trucking industry is essential for moving vehicles across the country. Whether you're shipping your car for a vacation or delivering it to a new owner, these companies handle everything for you. To achieve this, they use specialized carriers, like open or enclosed trailers, to ensure your vehicle gets where it needs to go safely.

However, an auto transport company isn’t a one-person operation. It takes a team. Coordinators, brokers, planners, and, most importantly, drivers work together to ensure the process runs like clockwork.

At the heart of it all are the truck drivers. They are the backbone of the industry, navigating long routes and ensuring vehicles reach their destinations in perfect condition. Without them, the entire system wouldn't function.

Understanding the Freight Trucking Industry

The freight trucking industry operates much like the auto transport sector. However, it focuses on moving goods and products rather than vehicles. Freight companies also use specialized equipment, such as flatbed trucks and box trucks, to accommodate different types of cargo.

Just like auto transport, it requires a dedicated team to manage the logistics. Coordinators and planners work diligently to organize shipments, track deliveries, and ensure everything stays on schedule. Drivers, again, play a crucial role. They navigate highways to deliver everything from food and electronics to construction materials.

Additionally, one thing both industries have in common is the challenges they face. Tight schedules, unexpected delays, and ensuring that deliveries arrive in perfect condition are all part of the job.

Why Might Truck Drivers Leave the Auto Transport Industry?

Right now, the auto transport trucking industry is estimated to be worth $10.1 billion. However, despite this impressive figure, the turnover rate remains high. Determining the exact reasons for this is practically impossible. However, some possible factors may include:

Long Hours and Unpredictable Schedules

Shipping a car across the country typically requires drivers to cover long distances. As a result, they often work long hours and deal with unpredictable schedules. Whether day or night, drivers must be on the road, which can leave them feeling exhausted and frustrated.

Physical Strain from Loading and Unloading Vehicles

Even though auto shipping companies use specialized equipment to load and unload vehicles onto trailers, human input is still essential. Sometimes, drivers must direct how the machinery operates, while at other times, they may have to strap the vehicles securely onto the platform. In either case, this physical labor can lead to tiredness for the drivers.

Limited Opportunities for Career Growth

Around 7,858 car shipping companies operate in the U.S. alone. Despite this growth, opportunities for career advancement are pretty limited. Many workers remain in the same position for a long time with no clear path to move up. Consequently, many leave the industry searching for better growth opportunities.

Why Might Truck Drivers Leave the Freight Transport Industry?

According to reports, the freight transport industry is projected to grow from $2,739.24 billion in 2024 to $3,755.92 billion by 2032. However, despite this promising growth, the challenges for truck drivers remain significant. Here are some common issues they face:

High Workload and Tight Delivery Deadlines

The freight transport industry often has an extremely high workload. Drivers don’t just manage one task; they juggle multiple packages at once. Even if they're delivering just a single item. The demands of tight schedules and high expectations can lead to stress and burnout.

Low Pay Compared to Other Trucking Jobs

When you stack up freight transport drivers against those in other trucking jobs, the pay often falls short. This can be discouraging, especially when drivers see better-paying opportunities in different fields. As a result, when drivers feel that their hard work isn't adequately rewarded, they are prompted to explore other options.

Stress from Navigating Heavily Regulated Routes

Freight drivers deal with a lot of rules on the road. They must follow weight limits, stick to specific driving hours, and navigate tricky road restrictions. All this can make an already tough job even more stressful. It’s no wonder some drivers start looking for less complicated careers.

How to Retain Drivers in Auto Transport?

To retain drivers in the auto transport industry are:

Offer Competitive Benefits: Let’s face it, everyone wants to feel like they’re being paid fairly for their hard work. Offering benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and performance bonuses can make a difference. When drivers know they’re rewarded appropriately, they’re far less likely to seek other opportunities.

Create a Supportive Work Environment: A supportive work culture is essential. When drivers feel valued, respected, and heard, they will likely stay with the company. It’s not just about the paycheck but how they’re treated daily.

Provide Development Opportunities: Nobody wants to feel stuck in a dead-end job. Offering drivers opportunities to grow their skills and advance in their careers shows that the company cares about their success. Whether through training programs or promotion opportunities, give them a clear path forward.

Best Practices for Retaining Freight Truck Drivers

The best practices for retaining freight truck drivers:

Implement Flexibility: Offering flexible schedules and routes can help drivers manage their work-life balance better. When drivers can have a say in their schedules, it makes their job easier and shows that you value their efforts.

Recognise and Reward Hard Work: Celebrate your drivers’ hard work. A performance bonus or even a “Driver of the Month” program can go a long way. When drivers know their input is appreciated, it encourages them to stick around.

Improve Driver Safety Measures: Safety is non-negotiable in the trucking world. Investing in top-notch safety training, equipment, and protocols shows your drivers that their well-being matters.

Nexus Auto Transport: Your One-Stop Solution for Auto Transport

To sum it up, both auto and freight transportation industries play a crucial role in our lives. Addressing the challenges of truck driver retention is essential for the sustainability of these industries. By implementing effective strategies, companies can create a supportive work environment that values drivers and encourages them to stay.

At Nexus Auto Transport, we understand the importance of a dedicated team. We are committed to providing excellent service while ensuring our drivers feel appreciated and valued. If you’re looking for reliable auto transport solutions, look no further. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.