PDA Releases Top Ten Driver Issues of 2022
- Scott Dismuke, VP of Operations, PDA
PDA released their annual top ten driver issues list compiled from tens of thousands of phone calls with professional truck drivers during 2022. The list was gathered as part of PDA’s efforts to help trucking companies curb turnover while providing accurate and actionable data for addressing their drivers’ concerns.
Equipment and compensation issues topped the list in 2022, just as it did in 2021, but with a softening freight market predominantly in the second half of 2022, miles and compensation related issues dominated the top ten list for 2022.
“While the top two issues of 2022 match the top two issues of 2021, clearly the softening freight market currently facing the trucking industry is reflected in this year’s list,” said Scott Dismuke, PDA’s vice president of operations. “Three of the top ten issues for 2022 were centered around miles, however seven of the top ten issues directly affect miles.”
Breakdown and mechanical issues maintained two of the top three spots, but Dismuke noted that mechanical and breakdown issues at the time of assignment matters to drivers and could negatively be affecting driver turnover.
“Equipment assignment issues matters to drivers and we’ve seen in our data that it many times results in drivers leaving early in their tenure,” said Dismuke. “The first impression a carrier makes on a driver is what a truck looks like at the time of assignment. Making a good first impression with a driver coming out of orientation is key to keeping a driver in the truck. The best way to do that is with properly inspected and clean trucks.”
Dismuke noted that two communication issues on the list is troubling, given the slowing economy and freight market.
“Communication can cure a lot of ills,” stated Dismuke. “While you cannot control the economy, you can control how you communicate with a driver. You can also control how quickly you respond to a driver and make them feel more respected. Ultimately, the ability to communicate effectively is going to determine if a carrier’s turnover rate goes up or goes down in 2023.”
The complete list is below and Dismuke stated that PDA will be providing additional details when they release their 2022 Recruiting and Retention Annual report next month.
- Tractor – Mechanical/Breakdown Issues
- Compensation – Pay Rate Not Competitive
- Equipment Assignment – Tractor Broken Down
- Miles – Loads Not Available
- Miles – Inconsistent Miles
- Home Time – Wants Daily Home Time
- Miles – Poor Scheduling/Planning
- Trailers – Mechanical/Tire Issues
- Communication – No Response by Driver Manager
- Communication – Slow Response by Driver Manager
For more information about PDA, visit www.pdateam.com.
