Did you know the average tow truck driver stays with the same employer for only a year or two? This means that finding and keeping quality drivers is a major challenge for towing businesses.
But how do you find and keep good drivers? With demand high and competitive for good drivers, it’s hard to retain them when they leave because of burnout or accepting better offers from your competitors.
In this article, you’ll discover areas to focus on to help you attract, train, and retain drivers for long-term growth. You’ll also learn how to create a positive work culture that motivates your drivers and reduces turnover.
Areas To Focus On…
- Recruitment and Retention
- Collaborate and Network in the Industry
- Focus on Making Drivers Feel Valued
- Engage With Your Local Community
- Adopt the Latest Truck Models with Tow Truck Financing
Recruitment and Retention
Nothing beats fair pay and awesome perks for keeping your tow truck drivers happy and motivated!
Start by offering a competitive wage with amazing benefits. A wage that reflects the skills and experience of your drivers is a good start. You can also include incentives such as bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans to reward your employees and increase their loyalty.
Let your driving team choose their own work hours that fit their lifestyles and preferences. You can give your driving team the freedom to plan their daily and night calls. This can help them avoid overwork, and burnout, and feel more in charge of their work schedules.
Collaborate and Network in the Industry
One of the best sources for finding a good driver might be your existing professional network.
Don't hesitate to reach out to other members of national towing associations and attend industry events. You can meet and talk to drivers at the American Towman Exposition, American Towman ShowPlace, and Florida Tow Show, and see if they are interested in working with you.
Once you hire them, you can invest in their training and certification to enhance their skills and safety. You can help your drivers get certified by the National Driver Operator Certification Program (NDCP), which can also boost their credibility and professionalism. You can also encourage them to get operator training by WreckMaster or attend continuing education classes at American Towing & Recovery Institute (ATRI).
Focus on Making Drivers Feel Valued
One of the best ways to retain your drivers is to show them that you value their work and contribution. You can do this by offering incentives, bonuses, or rewards for achieving certain goals, such as customer satisfaction, safety, or efficiency.
You can also celebrate their milestones, such as years of service, certifications, or commendations. By recognizing and appreciating your drivers, you can boost their morale and loyalty, and make them feel part of a team.
Engage With Your Local Community
- Local Outreach: Connect with local schools, vocational programs, and community events to showcase the benefits and opportunities of working as a tow truck driver. You can also sponsor or participate in local initiatives that support the towing industry or the community at large.
- Apprenticeships: Provide apprenticeship programs to train new drivers and mentor them on the best practices and standards of the towing profession. This way, you can create a pipeline of qualified and loyal talent that can grow with your business.
Adopt the Latest Truck Models with Tow Truck Financing
Some possible ways that a tow truck business can adopt the latest truck models with tow truck financing are:
By partnering with Beacon Funding, you get a lender who specializes in tow truck financing and understands the specific needs and challenges of the towing industry. Beacon Funding can offer more tailored solutions, better customer service, and faster approvals than a general lender that doesn’t specialize in tow truck financing like Beacon Funding.
Apply for flexible financing options that allow for low or no down payment, deferred or seasonal payments, and equipment upgrade programs. This can help the tow truck business conserve cash flow, match payments with revenue cycles, and keep up with the changing technology and demand of the industry.
EXPLORE TOW TRUCK FINANCING NOW
Remember that each towing business’s situation is unique, so a combination of these strategies may be necessary.