If you run a transportation company, you should have the right staff on your team to make sure that your customers are satisfied and that your brand gets a positive image in the market. Your drivers are your assets, therefore, you should make sure that you are choosing the right people for the job.
When you are recruiting drivers for your heavy-duty trucks and buses, make sure that you pay attention to these six essentials so that you make the right decision.
Experience And Expertise
The drivers you choose for your company should have prior experience in commercial driving. Make sure that you test the drivers before hiring them. Commercial driving has a lot of risks and it requires great care.
When you are running a transportation business, you might be carrying school kids to their homes or adults requiring public transport for their daily commute. When you have such a huge number of people to care for, you should hire only responsible and experienced drivers.
Driving License And Skills
You can not hire a driver without a driving license. However, when you are catering to a specific niche in the transportation business, you should hire the drivers with the specified license and skills.
For instance, the drivers you are considering for your company should have taken hr driving courses so that they understand how heavy rigid trucks and buses are handled without causing any damage to public life or property.
Previous Safety Record
A driver’s safety record is a key indicator of their reliability and caution on the road. An excellent safety record with minimal traffic violations and accidents demonstrates responsible driving behavior.
This aspect is non-negotiable as hiring a driver with a poor safety history can lead to increased insurance premiums, potential legal issues, and damage to your company’s reputation.
Conduct Comprehensive Background Checks
Background checks are essential for verifying the integrity and reliability of potential drivers. This includes checking criminal records, previous employment history, and personal references.
A thorough background check helps in identifying any past issues that could pose a risk to your business. It’s also beneficial to verify their work history to confirm the accuracy of their resume and to understand their work ethic and reliability from previous employers.
Assess Customer Service Skills
In many transportation roles, drivers are the face of your company to your clients. Therefore, they must possess good customer service skills. Drivers should be able to communicate effectively, exhibit professionalism, and handle customer interactions positively.
This includes being courteous, helpful, and capable of addressing any issues or questions that may arise during deliveries or passenger transport. Good interpersonal skills can enhance customer satisfaction and foster long-term client relationships.
Ensure Health and Physical Fitness
The physical demands of driving, particularly for long hours, require that drivers be in good health and physically fit. Ensure that potential drivers undergo a medical examination to verify their fitness for the role. This should include checks for vision, hearing, and overall physical health.
Regular health assessments are not only crucial for the driver’s well-being but also for maintaining safety standards on the road. Healthy drivers are less likely to experience fatigue-related accidents and can perform their duties more efficiently.