NAVIGATING THE DRIVER DROUGHT - HOW SMART ANALYTICS STEER DRIVER RETENTION IN 2024

DRIVER RETENTION STANDS AS A CRITICAL CHALLENGE FOR FLEET OPERATORS. SUDEEP NAYAK, CO-FOUNDER AND COO OF ZELIOT DELVES INTO HOW ADVANCED ANALYTIC AND TECHNOLOGY ARE TRANSFORMING RETENTION STRATEGIES, DRIVING EFFICIENCY AND SUCCESS IN FLEET MANAGEMENT.

- SUDEEP NAYAK

In the ever-evolving landscape of the commercial vehicle market, companies continually seek innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and maximise profitability. A pivotal aspect determining the success of fleet management is the retention of skilled drivers. Driver churn not only impacts productivity but also incurs significant recruitment and training costs for companies.

Driver retention stands as a paramount concern for commercial vehicle operators. High churn rates not only disrupt operations but also contribute to increased costs and decreased customer satisfaction. Traditionally, companies have relied on pay hikes and generic incentives to retain drivers. While these may offer temporary relief, they often fail to address underlying issues: a lack of recognition, engagement, and personalised support. Drivers yearn for more than just a paycheck; they desire to feel valued, heard, and empowered to perform at their best.

Truck drivers were surveyed regarding incentives provided by their employers/fleet owners and the basis for such incentives. Overall, approximately 81.3 per cent of truck drivers reported receiving no incentives from their employers. Approximately 10 per cent receive lump sum incentives, 5.8 per cent receive incentives based on distance travelled, and 2.2 per cent receive incentives on an hourly basis.