Tips on Onboarding New Truckers

Fleet management and new trucker onboarding is a trucking industry basic that has needed to change due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Although many hiring processes have had to change, it’s still important that fleet managers are making their new employees feel welcomed during onboarding. 

As we begin this new year, here are some onboarding tips all fleet managers can use to help their truckers feel more comfortable and welcome as they start their new career. 

Prioritize people 

Driver safety should be the utmost priority for all fleets during this time in our world. With that being said, it’s important that you are answering all questions or concerns new drivers have when starting. It can be challenging to address these concerns in a compassionate manner, especially with reduced face to face contact. However, it’s so important to take time and help new drivers understand all procedures, rules, and ultimately make them feel comfortable with the tasks handed to them. 

Digitalize your material

No one enjoys doing paperwork, but as new employees get onboarded, paperwork is required. Instead of loading all of this paperwork into the first day on the job, fleets can send new employees the paperwork digitally beforehand so it’s all completed before the first day. There are also many outlets in which truck drivers can learn via online video sessions rather than in-person. Utilizing this not only helps reduce face-to-face interactions but also allows for new truck drivers to learn and become familiar with the job at their own pace. 

Become more organized

Another way to help the onboarding process run more smoothly for truckers is by becoming more organized. Organization is one of the trucking industry basics. All contacts and forms should be organized in a way that is accessible for both existing and new employees. Becoming more organized will help new truckers out tremendously. 

Communication is key 

Another trucking industry basics to keep in mind when onboarding new truckers is to communicate clearly. Communication is key, especially when portions of the onboarding process is online due to the ongoing pandemic. By communicating clearly, truck drivers will be able to feel more comfortable around their team, as well as feel like they are able to ask questions when they are uncertain about something. For some drivers, this could be their first time using trucking technology, and focusing on communication will help ease some of the stress new employees often feel. 

Lastly, it’s important that whenever you are onboarding new employees, to reinforce your company’s culture, vision, and goals. It’s a good idea to set up a time that allows for new employees to talk to and meet the team members in which they will be working with. This allows new employees to understand the company values, culture, and work environment. 

A positive onboarding experience will help new employees feel welcomed and ready to work on day one. It is also likely to lead to new employees staying with the company long-term. As we continue through these crazy times, it’s essential that new truckers are feeling comfortable as they begin their new job. 

At TransWood, we value all of our professional drivers, fleet managers, mechanics and affiliates. We understand that the onboarding process is one of the trucking industry basics and is so important in how employees learn and grow. To learn more about our company, or if you are interested in joining our team, visit our website today!