Truck Driver Shortage and Rising Fuel Prices Trouble Fleet Managers

When it comes to managing a fleet, there are a lot of factors to consider that may cause bottlenecks and constraints. Namely, personnel and materials required to operate the fleet are issues that every fleet manager is currently facing.

What’s Driving the Trucker Shortages?

Did you know that, according to the ATA, the average annual turnover rate for long-haul truckers at big trucking companies has been greater than 90% for decades?

Given such a staggering number, this clarifies that the apparent trucker shortage has a lot more to do with retention than able bodies who can do the job.

In fact, with the DMVS granting 400,000+ new commercial truck driver licenses each year, there should be more than enough drivers to cover the roughly 500,000 long-haul trucking positions available. Retaining truck drivers in a competitive marketplace isn’t always an easy task. But with competitive benefits, driver behavior scorecards, a focus on coaching your drivers and opportunities for advancement, you’ll have the right tools.

Keystone XL Fuel Pipeline Cancelled. Now What?

Gas prices have risen since the beginning of 2021 and in the wake of the inauguration of President Joe Biden. Depending on your vantage point, the Keystone XL cancellation could be good or bad for businesses in the fleet world. On the one hand, the pipeline creation could have eliminated many trucking industry union jobs that currently exist in the absence of a pipeline solution. On the other hand, judges are blocking the administration’s attempts to pause new leases for drilling on public lands—so the jury’s still out on the downstream consequences of canceling Keystone XL.

Additionally, we’re on the heels of the Colonial Pipeline disruption which exposed a key supply chain vulnerability. The U.S. can’t function if starved for fuel. Despite the apparent vulnerability, fuel prices are stabilizing and shipment numbers are still expected to crest record highs through the summer.

Truck Parts Shortages Produce Constraints

Supply chain chaos courtesy of the COVID-19 pandemic still poses issues for fleet managers facing demands from both internal and external stakeholders. Customers like lumber mills need to move products quickly because of skyrocketing demand for building materials.

Fleet managers are plagued by issues like factory parts shortages which contribute to delays in acquiring new vehicles. Shortages of basic parts like semiconductors mean repairs for existing vehicles will also be delayed.

Make the Best of the Situation

While many of the issues currently weighing on fleet managers are “known unknowns,” there are some viable solutions for mitigating their potential impact. GPS Trackit provides an easy way for businesses like yours to predict and plan when vehicle maintenance needs to be scheduled.

This is especially important when downtime and unplanned repairs can add up to costly expenses which can be sidestepped. Add to that the relatively high cost of diesel (not to mention employee turnover) and it’s easy to see why a fleet management solution that can minimize the impact of things like idling, hard driving and equipment problems while streamlining employee relations can be an important investment that generates a substantial ROI in efficiency and time savings.

Here’s what Stephanie had to say about improving her client communication and her approach to driver training with the help of GPS Trackit:

We now have better customer service, better training for my employees and at a lower price than other companies. I’m very happy with the product and service! – Stephanie M

If you’d like to learn more about how GPS Trackit can help to improve safety, increase productivity and reduce costs for your business, speak with one of our knowledgeable Fleet Advisors at 866-320-5810 or get a quick Custom Quote.

References

• https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2021/05/25/999784202/is-there-really-a-truck-driver-shortage
• https://www.thetrucker.com/trucking-news/business/fuel-outlook-availability-and-pricing-should-be-stable-through-summer-months
• https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/15/climate/biden-drilling-federal-land.html
• https://www.tetonvalleynews.net/news/materials-shortage-creates-adversity-for-area-tradesmen/article_e780c52d-08f8-572e-88fc-c4a62777e24f.html
• https://www.truckinginfo.com/10141744/parts-shortage-hobbles-new-truck-deliveries-worsens-downtime