Driver Turnover at Trucking Companies Drops to Lowest Level Since 1995 - Impact on Safety
The American Trucking Association announced driver turnover is the lowest it has been since 1995. Due to the recent downturn in the economy, drivers are worried they may not get another job if they leave so they are willing to stay put, and trucking companies are running fewer trucks which require fewer drivers. This trend highlights the fact that trucking companies can retain the best drivers and will have plenty of quality applications for any job opening if they treat their drivers fairly.
What implications does this have for safety? Simply this. Trucking companies have no business putting dangerous, untrained drivers on the road. The companies that hire dangerous drivers in this economy are clearly putting profits over people. There are safe, well trained, experienced drivers looking for work. Trucking companies that ignore this pool, to save a few dollars to hire ill-trained workers, are risking the lives of their drivers and the public.
