The persistent challenge of hiring and keeping drivers is a costly issue for trucking companies. Firms that successfully reduce their turnover are discovering that a combination of benefits and amenities works best.
An increasing number of carriers are witnessing reduced recruiting expenses and improved retention through in-cab satellite TV systems offered by EpicVue. For instance, R.E. Garrison Trucking, based in Cullman, Ala., manages a fleet of approximately 700 tractors and has experienced notable results.
Despite already having solid retention rates and higher pay than many competitors, R.E. Garrison sought new strategies to prevent drivers from leaving for other companies. In early 2017, after losing a high-performing team to a rival offering EpicVue, the company decided to equip its entire fleet with these satellite systems.
Following the installation of 350 EpicVue systems, R.E. Garrison saw its driver turnover rate decrease from 60% to 40%. Given the industry average recruitment cost of $6,000 per driver, this led to savings of around $480,000. The company anticipates total savings nearing $1 million once all trucks are outfitted with EpicVue.
Paul Transportation, a flatbed carrier from Tulsa with 175 tractors, has also reported lower driver turnover since incorporating EpicVue last June. The firm, which faced a staggering 100% annual turnover rate, achieved a 25% decline after equipping 75 trucks with the in-cab systems and was able to fill all driving positions.
The EpicVue package provides over 100 DirecTV channels, including premium content such as HBO, Showtime, and NFL Sunday Ticket, available for monthly subscription without upfront hardware costs for fleets of 20 or more. EpicVue inMotion allows one driver to watch TV while the other drives, also enabling show recording while on the move.
Driver health and wellness is another critical area, as the job involves long hours of sitting, limited exercise, and poor access to healthy food, contributing to injuries and higher turnover. Automated wellness programs can significantly enhance drivers’ health and retention, according to Stephen Kane of Rolling Strong, which offers tailored wellness programs. Their new mobile app aids drivers in making healthier choices through nutrition guidance, exercise programs, sleep tracking, and health record management, incentivizing them with points and rewards for healthy behaviors.
