4 Employee Benefits Every Trucker Should Have

You run a fleet, so you know how much you depend on your drivers to sustain success. However, retention is a big issue in the logistics industry, as the demand for jobs tends to exceed the supply of workers. If you want to avoid staffing emergencies, then you need to know which benefits will keep drivers on board with your company. And know this: it’s more than just a great salary.

Here are the four employee benefits every trucker should have that go beyond a bigger paycheck.

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Life on the road is tough on the body. Long hours sitting, limited food options, and irregular sleep schedules inevitably take a toll. That’s why providing better healthcare benefits for truckers is one of the smartest investments a fleet owner can make.

A desirable plan includes preventative screenings outside of annual wellness checks, mental health support, vision insurance, and dental coverage. When your drivers feel physically supported, they stay healthier and drive more safely. Moreover, healthy drivers are less likely to burn out or face medical disqualifications that leave your trucks collecting dust in the yard.

Guaranteed Home Time

Drivers constantly sacrifice time with their families to keep your freight moving. Therefore, you must offer paid time off that actually allows them to unplug. A generic two-weeks-off policy doesn’t cut it anymore.

Instead, consider flexible scheduling that helps your employees attend holidays, birthdays, school events, anniversaries, and other meaningful occasions. If you respect their need to be home, they will respect your need to get the freight delivered on time.

Performance and Safety Bonuses

Rewarding excellence reinforces the professional standards you want in your fleet, and it attracts such professionals to your company. Experienced drivers know how to handle a rig, and they know what to look for during a pre-trip inspection. You want drivers who can spot the signs of a failing air brake system before it becomes a roadside tragedy. So create a bonus structure that rewards clean driving records, passing DOT inspections, on-time deliveries, and fuel efficiency. Incentivizing safety puts extra cash in your drivers’ pockets while protecting your CSA score and lowering insurance premiums.

Retirement and Financial Planning

Drivers need security for the future just like anyone else, but their salaries can make this feel tough. Offering a solid financial package helps them build a life beyond the windshield. This package should feature 401(k) matching, financial advising, life insurance, and disability insurance. Showing an interest in their long-term security builds loyalty that a simple paycheck cannot buy.

Your truck drivers are your fleet’s most valuable assets. By keeping them on board with these must-have employee benefits, you can avoid the high costs of trucker turnover. Moreover, when it comes time to expand your workforce, offering great benefits gives your company a reputation that will attract the industry’s best drivers to the role. Review your current benefits offerings today to see where you can add value to your fleet.