In today’s competitive and highly regulated trucking industry, recruiting quality drivers and maintaining compliance are two of the biggest challenges carriers face. In our recent webinar, we explored how top industry leaders overcome these challenges by leveraging technology, prioritizing culture, and staying actively involved in industry associations.
Our host, Jeremy Reymer, Founder of DriverReach, was joined by Ben Greenberg, President and CEO of the North Carolina Trucking Association (NCTA), and Marina Ivanov, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Apex Transit. Their experience and insights provided practical strategies for any trucking company looking to thrive.
Key Takeaways: Practical Strategies You Can Apply Today
To make this information easy to digest, we’ve broken down the key takeaways into actionable points below. Each strategy is designed to help you improve your recruiting process, maintain high compliance standards, and foster a positive company culture.
1. Association Involvement Yields Real Results 
- Networking and Best Practices: Active participation in associations like NCTA offers access to valuable resources, including best practices from diverse fleets and direct communication with key regulatory bodies. (left) Marina Ivanov proudly displays the NCTA’s inaugural "Advocacy Champion" belt, awarded for her outstanding leadership and contributions in advancing the goals of the North Carolina Trucking Association.
- Advocacy Power: Get involved in shaping legislation that directly impacts your operations. The NCTA’s Women in Trucking Council, led by Marina, effectively advocated against damaging tax increases that would have severely impacted North Carolina trucking companies.
2. Culture is Key to Driver Retention
- Tailored Driver Experience: Retaining drivers goes beyond pay and benefits. Companies that actively engage with drivers and offer flexibility—like adapting schedules for working parents—create loyalty.
- Proactive Communication: Regular check-ins and transparency go a long way in building trust and retaining drivers during tough times. Even when benefits need to be adjusted, drivers appreciate open and honest dialogue.
3. Embrace Technology to Stay Compliant and Competitive
- Streamline Processes: From automated application tracking to digital document management, technology eliminates manual errors and ensures compliance, helping you avoid costly legal risks.
- Audit-Ready Systems: With tools like DriverReach’s DQ File Checklist, companies can maintain up-to-date records, ensuring they’re always prepared for audits while minimizing risk.
4. Unlock a Competitive Edge in Recruiting
- Effective Selling Techniques: Understand drivers’ unique needs and pain points, then tailor your pitch. Recruiting is a sales job—focus on building relationships and providing solutions that resonate.
- Customized Recruitment Strategies: Use pre-filled digital applications and CRM tools to enhance the driver experience, allowing you to stand out in a competitive hiring environment.
5. Diversity Matters: Boosting Female Representation in Trucking
- Promoting Inclusivity: NCTA’s Women in Trucking Council focuses on improving workplace conditions, like better parking, and encouraging more women to enter the industry.
- Retention Through Empowerment: Events and summits focused on women in trucking not only educate but inspire. Empowering drivers and office staff alike leads to stronger loyalty and a more committed workforce.
Case Study: How Apex Transit Transformed Their Recruitment Process
Interested in how Apex Transit achieved significant improvements by leveraging technology? Check out our in-depth case study for a closer look at the strategies that Marina Ivanov and her team implemented to drive growth and maintain compliance in a challenging market.
Watch the Webinar On-Demand:
Transform Your Recruiting and Compliance Today
Ready to optimize your operations and reduce your compliance risk? Request a custom demo of DriverReach’s modern recruiting and compliance solution to see how we can help you streamline processes, engage drivers, and drive growth.
