Some of the nation’s largest freight transporters train hundreds of aspiring truck drivers each year. The training programs, however, frequently fall short of delivering on their promises of higher wages and better working conditions. A driver’s ability to obtain new employment is further hampered if he or she quits their job early and is not hired by a trucking company.
Training programs for the C.D.L. are offered by hundreds of companies, employing thousands of people around the country. It is typical for new drivers to be required to work for the company that trained them for a period of six months to two years in order to qualify for free training. For many big trucking companies that are actually a hook-and-reel tactic in order to get potential new truck drivers in the door.
Trucking companies are under pressure to move more freight nowadays and in many cases forced to move quickly due to the rise of e-commerce. The American Trucking Association has issued an urgent warning about the lack of truck drivers. On the other hand, several analysts and representatives for truck drivers say high turnover is due to the fact that many huge corporations fail to make employment enticing enough. Truckers have been the victims of numerous class-action lawsuits, which have cost the industry billions. Not to mention warped the self-esteem of many truck drivers forcing them to feel limited and helpless.
Nine out of ten drivers at large carriers leave their jobs within a year, according to a trucking trade group. If they don’t have a contract in place, the companies risk losing their newly educated drivers to competitors who are willing to pay more money. There are a lot of truck drivers out there currently on the road who only move if the payday is right.
Job adverts and recruiter presentations promise earnings of up to $70,000 in the first year and much bigger salaries in the future. However, according to the latest recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for all truck drivers was $47,000 in May 2020. There were only very few making more than $69,500.
Despite this, many people are drawn to the trucking industry because they consider it a viable stepping stone to the middle class. Community colleges and independent schools are two options for new drivers to learn how to drive, but each has its pros and cons. Those looking for immediate financial rewards often turn to corporate training programs.
Many large corporations begin lessons once a week, so maintaining a steady supply of students is essential. They deputize their drivers, rewarding them with referral bonuses for each new employee they bring on board, and they hire recruiters to chase anyone who has shown an interest in working for them. The majority of corporation schools require trainees to spend two to four weeks in a classroom and in parking lots to study their lessons. Many previous trainees complained that the training programs were insufficient and that they did not spend enough time in the trucks they were assigned to.
“It’s fairly typical for trucking companies to recoup costs for training programs,” says Stewart J. Schwab. A Cornell Law School professor who specializes in intellectual property. Nonetheless, he pointed out that, like non-compete agreements, these contracts have the potential to dramatically restrict employee mobility and impede competition. Mr. Schwab collaborated with the Uniform Regulation Commission, a non-partisan group that writes state legislation. A new law regarding restrictive employment agreements, such as those used by trucking businesses, in 2021.
The proposed legislation calls for the recovery of training costs to be prorated based on when an employee quits. It states that the repayment amount should not exceed the actual cost of the training received. Many big trucking companies do not prorate their rates. This means that a driver who leaves on Day 1 after training will owe the same amount as a driver who is fired the day before the contract is due to be completed. Furthermore, trucking companies are often not required to account for the amount of money they spend on genuine training.
Training programs for truckers at large trucking companies have historically been a money mill type of operation. An intent to pull out as much cash as possible from folks who are wanting to enter the trucking industry. It’s a two-pronged approach. Value and experience must be rewarded. This is where trucking companies are absolutely in the right. Especially if they are seasoned and have thorough education to teach to those seeking a trucking career. Gauging truck drivers in an effort to boost retention though simply isn’t a viable option. Things like company culture and job satisfaction are things that large trucking companies should consider instead.
Does Sugar Creek Transportation Train Truck Drivers?
In short, No. We do not currently offer truck driving training. It is something that we are exploring though in order to further help existing and new drivers expand their knowledge and capabilities. Since the inception of our business, we have sought out experienced drivers. We feel that those will always bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Not only for our company but also for our customers.
We road test all of our drivers to ensure their safety on road and have a driver orientation which includes going over hours of service and road safety. It’s extremely important to comply with regulatory requirements for the safety and longevity of our drivers and our customers. As of recently, we have indeed explored monthly training initiatives. More to come on these as they further develop.
Love what you do. Do what you love. That is our motto here at Sugar Creek Transportation. Our dynamic company culture plays a huge role in ensuring our employees and drivers are happy. Whatever the means necessary to accomplish that. Turnover is something a lot of trucking companies should really strive to avoid. It’s precisely why retention focus should be something that more trucking companies put forth an effort towards.
Are you interested in becoming a trucker driver? Looking for a trucking company with a dynamic and vibrant company culture? Have any questions? Reach out to us at (909) 746-0370 or by email at: recruiting@scetrans.com. You can also follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
