The U.S. trucking industry, which moves over 72% of the nation’s freight, has long been the backbone of American commerce. In recent years, however, it has seen its share of hurdles, such as a consistent shortage of drivers and rising customer expectations regarding delivery. Amid these changes, it’s clear that maintaining the status quo is no longer an option.
Looking for new ways to weather these challenges and thrive during this volatile period? If so, here are five future-focused strategies to ensure that your trucking company will be able to improve its efficiency and boost driver loyalty for a long time to come!
1. Use Smart Tech for Drive Efficiency
Trucking technology is evolving fast, and embracing the right tech can make your company far more productive. As an example, telematics systems give dispatchers real-time visibility into vehicle performance and driver behavior. Quick access to this data can help prevent accidents, optimize routes, and predict maintenance needs before they become serious issues.
2. Broaden Your Recruitment Efforts
At the current median age of 46, the trucking industry is traditionally geared toward middle-aged workers. However, as they’re aging out of the industry, recruiting the next generation of drivers will require different strategies. To reach these demographics, consider exploring new marketing channels and figuring out what benefits they’re looking for from a trucking company.
3. Offer Same-Day Payments
Another way to combat the driver shortage is to offer same-day pay. Historically, carriers have had to wait 30-60 days between delivering a load and getting paid. With such long payment windows, many drivers have issues with cash flow. By using a gig platform that provides same-day payments, you can pay your drivers at any time with no extra fees.
4. Show Your Drivers You Trust Them
Beyond paying your drivers quickly, there are other ways to show them you understand their value. For instance, you can offer digital literacy training and upskilling. Also, studies show that a third of truck drivers have thought about leaving their jobs in the past year due to stress. By investing in their mental wellness, you’ll increase your chance of retaining them.
5. Rely on Merchant Services
Merchant services have come a long way since the days of cash registers. These days, most trucking companies would benefit from adopting contactless payments and mobile wallets to improve their customer experience. Similarly, choosing the right merchant service provider can help you prioritize security through encryption and biometric authentication.
The trucking industry is evolving and companies that adapt will be the ones that lead. Whether it’s leveraging technology, improving driver experiences, or optimizing operations, the time to take action is now. At MONA Payment Solutions, we partner with trucking businesses to implement forward-thinking tools that support growth, efficiency, and long-term success.
Contact us today to learn how we can help your company move forward with smarter payment solutions and strategies that meet the demands of tomorrow.