As most in the trucking industry are aware, elevated driver turn-over rates can become rather disconcerting and frustrating, especially when you work so hard to bring a new driver on-board, only to have them resign after just a few weeks or months with the company.
Let’s face it. Truthfully, it costs an employer a significant amount of overhead and out-of-pocket expense just to get a new driver through the doors–shelling out for things like DOT physicals, lodging, transportation, food allowances, orientation pay, etc. So, the last thing you want as an employer is to lose a driver after that initial investment has been made.
That then raises the age-old question of, “Why do drivers leave a company, anyway?”
Some would argue that drivers are constantly searching for the “perfect” job, always thinking that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. Although this may be true in many cases, my recruiting experience leads me to believe that there is another looming reason why drivers “move on” so soon after they are hired.
On countless occasions, while speaking with potential drivers about what Davis Express has to offer, I hear it over and over again…
“I’m looking for another job because I was lied to by a recruiter. They made a lot of promises, but didn’t keep them.”
So, I am a firm believer that while not all, a certain percentage of the industry’s higher turn-over rates are due to dishonest recruiters.
At Davis Express, we have an on-going commitment to honesty and up-frontness when recruiting new drivers. We take special care to let them know exactly what they can and should expect as a member of the Davis team, before they even fill out an application.
When you think about it, it only makes sense. Why would you provide false information to a potential driver, promising him/her the moon, just so you can get them in the door, with no intention of following through on your word? When they realize that they’ve been misled, who can blame them for leaving? Not only do you (as an employer) lose that initial investment, but more importantly, you lose credibility–and believe me, drivers talk to one another.
- Is Davis Express perfect? Of course not!
- Is Davis Express the right fit for every driver? By no means!
- Can an interested driver get an honest answer about what to expect from Davis Express? Absolutely! Every time!
So, to the recruiters out there, be honest with your recruits, even if it means losing them to your competition. Everyone appreciates honesty, and what goes around, comes around.
And to the professional drivers out there who are looking for an honest answer, we encourage you to contact a Davis Express recruiter. We’ll tell you like it is, and leave it up to you to decide if we’re the right opportunity for you. Guaranteed.
You can reach our Recruiting department toll-free at (800) 874-4270, Monday through Friday, from 7AM until 6PM eastern time.
Call and ask to speak with Pam McAllister (Ext. 2135) or Brook Wilms (Ext. 2138). You can also leave us a voicemail or drop us an email after hours, and we’ll get back with you promptly.
We’ll be waiting to hear from you!
October 27th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
I went to another Florida company in August because I was moving back to the area and they promised me dedicated. Well, to say the least, that company was full of lies. They said they could keep me southeast, another lie. I wish recruiters just told the honest truth, you might be surprised that a driver would come with you for being honest.
November 15th, 2011 at 10:06 am
Brandan,
We do offer true SE regional OTR, and much more. Our recruiters believe in being honest and up-front with our applicants, so that they are able to make an informed decision about our company and what we have to offer.
For more information, give us a call or complete an online driver application.
Take care, and have a great day.
January 15th, 2012 at 8:00 pm
I REALLY WANT TO THANK THE DAVIS COMPANY STAFF FOR BEING SO HONEST AND UPFRONT IN THIS DAY AND TIME, IT IS GREAT TO BE ABLE TO READ AN HONEST AND TRUE ACCOUNT OF THE WAY A COMPANY IS CONCERNED FOR THE WELL BEING OF THEIR DRIVERS, KNOWING THE DRIVER IS THE HEART OF THE COMPANY, PLEASE SEE IF YOU COULD PROCESS MY APP SO THAT I COULD HAVE A CHANCE TO BE PART OF YOUR TRUCKING COMPANY FAMILY,I AM 52 YEARS OLD AND DO HAVE EXPERIENCE,I PRIDE MYSELF ON A CLEAN TRUCK,CLEAN DRIVING RECORD, AND GOOD CUSTOMER RELATIONS, LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU THANKS TERRY SWEARINGEN 850-526-1331
January 24th, 2012 at 10:23 am
Terry,
I just wanted to follow-up with you and let you know that the recruiting department advised that they did put an application in the mail to you on 1/16, so as soon as you receive it and can get it back to us, we’ll check it out and see what we can do.
Thanks, and have a great day.
April 15th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
Hey guys. I’ve been out of the saddle for a couple of years, but I’ve been driving OTR off and on since ’93. I’ve pulled mainly flatbed, and have zero reefer experience. I have a clean MVR, and no health issues. I live in Strawberry Plains, TN…between the 398 and 407 mile markers on I-40. Any chance I could get a job there…even with no reefer experience? Thanks in advance.
Dave
April 17th, 2012 at 2:42 pm
Dave,
Our minimum experience requirement is that you have at least 2 years of verifiable T/T experience n the past 7 years, at least 1 of which must be OTR. So, the fact that you’ve been out of the truck for a couple of years shouldn’t matter, as long as you meet the primary requirements.
However, Strawberry Plains, TN is not in our normal hiring area, being somewhat out of our general running area and approximately 194 miles from our closest terminal in Lavergne, TN. This would mean that, if you did come to work for us, you would have to park the tractor/trailer in Lavergne on your scheduled time off, and drive your personal vehicle home from there.
For a more comprehensive listing of the areas from which we can hire, check out our driver info page.
I hope this answers your questions. Thank you for contacting Davis Express.