It’s no secret that trucking is a demanding job. In addition to spending long periods on the road, drivers have to remain perpetually on guard for a wide assortment of threats. Since operators are any logistics company’s most valuable resource, it’s imperative that measures be taken to make them safe. Not only will such measures reduce the likelihood of accident and injury, they stand to make drivers happier and more efficient behind the wheel. Companies looking for effective ways to ensure the safety of their operators would be wise to heed the following pointers.
Check in Regularly
It never hurts to receive updates on your drivers’ location, progress and overall demeanor. This ensures drivers know they’re being looked out for and provides their employers with tremendous peace of mind. That being the case, make a point of checking in with your drivers throughout the workday – particularly the ones making arduous journeys. Furthermore, take care to do this via radio or hands-free device, as the use of cell phones behind the wheel should always be discouraged. This way, if a driver encounters perilous road conditions or becomes sick or injured, you’ll know right away.
Invest in Fleet Tracking Software
For a logistics company, nothing is more valuable than drivers and trucks. Fortunately, the right fleet tracking software will enable you to keep track of both of these things. As the name suggests, fleet tracking software allows companies to stay abreast of the respective locations of each of their vehicles. This helps companies stay on schedule and ensures that they’re able to provide assistance to drivers who have become lost or encountered problems while en route to their destinations.
Be Willing to Accept the Occasional Late Delivery
There’s no denying that timeliness is important in the logistics industry. Unsurprisingly, companies with a reputation for making deliveries efficiently and on time tend to have broader client rosters than companies that are known for tardiness. However, a timely delivery should never come at the expense of a driver’s health or safety. For example, if a driver encounters hazardous weather or perilous road conditions, they should be allowed to wait until the danger has passed before continuing their journey, even if this means a delivery will be a little late. Similarly, if a driver falls ill or is noticeably sleep-deprived, they shouldn’t be expected to continue driving. Not only does this present a clear and present danger to the driver, it stands to compromise the safety of every motorist they encounter.
Trucking requires a substantial amount of endurance, fortitude and concentration. While truck driving is often shrugged off as simple manual labor, anyone who’s worked in logistics can confirm that this is far from the case. In light of all the hard work and dedication most truck drivers display, it’s only right that their respective employers prioritize their health and safety. Taking steps to keep your operators happy and healthy can enrich their quality of life and result in heightened job performance, so any logistics company that has yet to enact the following measures should do so forthwith.
