By: Michael Howe
Truck driving is a stressful yet rewarding career. Itโs also not unlike most jobs in that the vast majority of those doing it are absolutely fantastic and professional. Yet there are always a few in the bunch that are high risk and or just bad employees. The question then becomes, how does a trucking company effectively identify and manage that high-risk driver before the situation becomes too problematic?
One of the first keys to mitigating risk for companies is with the pre-hire and pre-qualification process. Trucking companies need to be diligent and thorough in their background checks and interviews. Yes, a truck sitting against the fence is losing money, but putting just any driver in the seat can ultimately cost more than an idle truck. Checking out past employment history is a crucial first step. These employers should be called to verify information as to how well the driver performed, what his or her safety record was at that company, as well as other information such as on time deliveries and general attitude. Take the time to identify and confirm reasons for employment gaps (or omissions) too.
A driverโs official motor vehicle record can be telling as well. While a ticket or two spread over a few years may not be a big deal, any consistent violations or excessively dangerous violations should be noted and considered for risk. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a violation that needs to be seriously examined. Remember too, the driving history in a personal vehicle is just as indicative of risk as in a truck.
The US DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) offers a Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse that should be used for new hires. The Clearinghouse is an online database that helps identify specific commercial drivers prohibited from performing safety-sensitive functions due to a drug and alcohol program violation. This includes records of positive test results, test refusals, alcohol and drug use while on the job, and when a driver completes the return-to-duty process. The goal is to reduce traffic incidents and improve driving safety by providing employers with the tools to hire the right people, keep track of violators, and report incidents.
Even with a thorough background check, it is possible to miss key indicators or even have situation change. Given that, managing high-risk drivers or managing for the potential of high-risk drivers is just as important. There are multiple ways a trucking company can work to mitigate risk.
One such way to do this is by using a vehicle tracking system. This type of system allows the company to use GPS technology to track the progress of routes and accurately monitor all drivers in real time. For drivers, this isnโt necessarily a โbig brotherโ approach of companies not trusting them; rather it can be helpful as well to insure proper communications, proper routes, and on time deliveries.
Similarly, delivery software that allows for analysis of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will allow managers to accurately track performance. Each route can be analyzed and then the data compiled for a comprehensive report of average speeds, braking speeds, average fuel costs, idling time, on time deliveries, and more. This not only allows the trucking company to assure safety and mitigate high risk situations, but it also allows drivers the opportunity to improve and optimize performance, so everyone benefits.
Before concluding this commentary, letโs also remember a couple of things. First, the vast majority of truck drivers are professional and safe โ and they want to be that way. Next, itโs up to the trucking companies to provide an opportunity for drivers to be successful and safe. Good maintenance programs, coaching programs, quality training, and driver incentives should all be considered as ways to mitigate risk.
