Benefits of long term employment

A driver who has changed jobs 9 times in the past 3 years will have lost  close to $55,000 dollars.

As a recruitment consultant I see job applications every week. It saddens me that many truckers change jobs so often. The usual reason given is that “the company wasn’t right for me”.

A good relationship is long lasting with benefits for everyone. The “grass is not always greener on the other side”.

Rusty is a “job hopper”. He has 4 years experience, usually gets .35 cents per mile, and drives 2600 miles per week. His average pay is $910 plus $80 drops etc = $990.

Consider this:

1.Rusty quits another job this week, so he doesn’t do many miles because he wants to get back to the yard and clean out his truck. ($600 lost.)

2.Rusty phones around and sends in job applications. (No pay this week)

3.Rusty has a company interested in him and they are doing the background checks. (again no pay this week)

4.Rusty gets invited for 3 days orientation at new company. (again no pay)

5.Rusty gets accepted after orientation, but needs to wait for DOT medicals etc. (still no pay)

6.Rusty commences new employment, but has to go home and get ready to go to work. ( still no pay)

7.Rusty gets low miles in week 1, while he is getting use to the company. Paid $320.00

8.Rusty gets a good week in and gets $900.00

Rusty lost $6,050.00 in pay, by changing jobs. In the last 3 years, Rusty has changed companies 9 times. Rusty has lost $18,000 a year and $54,450 over the 3 years.

Worse still, are the other things that go with changing jobs like:

• Unsure how long before next pay will come
• Bills get behind
• Car payment gets behind
• You add a few extra pounds to your belt when not working
• Your stress level rises
• Unsure if next job will be better
• Unsure if you will get another job
• Hassel of filling out the million forms that go with a new job
• Money wasted in phone calls, postage, internet trying for new job
• Have to do orientation again
• Have to haul your personal items to another place
• Have to learn another companies system

Long term employment: The better option.

A long term trucker builds a relationship with dispatch, the load planner and the company staff. Everyone works as a team to get results.

Steve has been working for 4 years with the same company. He is well liked, and is a reliable driver. He enjoys his work.

• Pay rises each year
• Bonuses
• Vacation pay increases
• Good relationship with the other staff
• Respected by the company
• Can plan his finances and payments
• Gets his car paid off
• Stable income so can buy a house
• Can pay cash for everyday items
• Stress free life
• Your equipment will get updated more often
• Family happy (if your happy)
• Company more flexible if you need something
• Company more flexible if time off needed

Staying with one employer for the long haul is great for everyone. Sometimes there are bumps along the way, but communicating with dispatch and driver managers will help. 

Employers know that recruitment costs thousands per driver. It is in the employer’s best interest to have long term drivers. It’s a better result for the company as a whole and increases profitability – which in turn, creates a wonderful work environment for everyone.

September 2010.