Trucking companies are feeling pretty bullish about the market. A strong rate environment from 2020 is expected to hold and perhaps even strengthen into the new year. And while capacity remains tight, carriers have continued investing, providing a better service product for most customers.
Yet one of the industry’s most persistent priorities, professional drivers, remain a key area for trucking and shippers to collaborate. Rather than lose out on capacity and rates, shippers can control their destiny better when they meet trucking companies in the middle to support drivers.
What can shippers do?
First and foremost, respect the driver’s time. When a driver waits hours to load or unload, that takes money out of their pocket. Time is money, and efficient utilization of that time is key. That’s become even more important during the pandemic as drivers request more home time with their families. Shippers of choice are better at getting drivers processed and back on the road quickly and efficiently.
Second, provide a safe haven for drivers to park and rest. If you’re a shipper with a big lot, why not offer a portion of your secured area for incoming drivers to park? Your load can rest on location, secure and on-time. You are protecting the driver’s safety and that of your product. Again, it’s about utilizing a finite asset — the driver’s time. If lack of local parking causes a driver to stop four hours away from the destination, instead of onsite or nearby, that’s four hours of wasted time.
Third, walk the talk. Carriers today know down to the minute how much time drivers spend at shipper docks. That data, along with driver input, goes into shipper scorecards. If a shipper truly wants to be a partner in the driver experience, do the right thing. Turn them quickly. Provide restroom access. Treat them with respect. The shipper who does best by the driver is rewarded with reliable, consistent capacity.