How To Build A Foolproof Driver Recruiting Program

Designing a successful driver referral program for trucking companies involves careful planning, structuring, and the use of technology to effectively attract and incentivize new driver referrals. Below, I’ll outline the key steps to build a driver referral program, the different program structures, and the necessary technology and information intake.

Define Program Goals and Incentives:

Start by identifying the goals of your referral program. Are you aiming to increase the number of experienced drivers or new recruits? Set clear objectives, such as filling a certain number of positions within a specific timeframe. Determine the incentives you’ll offer for successful referrals.

Program Structures:

There are several ways to structure your referral program’s incentives:

• Upfront Payment: This involves providing a fixed amount of money upfront when a referred driver completes a certain period (e.g., 90 days) with the company. For instance, you can offer $1,500 for experienced drivers and $500 for inexperienced ones, as per industry averages.
• Payouts with Cliffs: Instead of a single upfront payment, you can break down the incentive into multiple payouts at different milestones. For example, $500 after 30 days, $500 after 90 days, and $500 after 180 days.
• Monthly Payout Based on Mileage (Per Mile Driven): In this approach, the referring driver receives a certain amount for each mile driven by the referred driver. This can be an effective way to incentivize long-term commitment.

Building the Program:

Communicate the referral program’s details to your existing drivers. Use multiple channels like email, company meetings, and internal platforms to ensure all drivers are aware of the program.

Implement a simple and user-friendly referral process. This could be a dedicated web portal or mobile app where drivers can submit referrals with ease.

Utilize technology to track referrals, their progress, and successful placements. This can involve integrating a referral tracking system into your existing HR or employee management software.

Acknowledge and appreciate successful referrals publicly within the company. This recognition could be in the form of company-wide announcements, certificates, or even small celebrations.

Ensure that the referral incentives are paid out promptly upon meeting the specified criteria. Delayed payments can discourage participation.

Required Technology and Information:

• Referral Portal: Create a user-friendly online portal where drivers can submit referrals. This portal should capture needed information such as the referring driver’s details, the referred driver’s information, and contact details.
• Tracking System: Implement a referral tracking system such as DriverFly’s ATS that monitors the progress of each referral. This will help in assessing the referral’s journey within the company.
• Communication Channels: Utilize email notifications or in-app notifications to keep referring drivers updated about the status of their referrals.
• Data Security: Ensure that any personal and sensitive data collected during the referral process is stored and transmitted securely in compliance with relevant data protection laws.

In the end, your program’s success depends on having clear expectations, transparency in transaction, a user-friendly method for referring, and timely payouts. Industry standards suggest payouts of $1,500 for experienced drivers and $500 for inexperienced. By providing competitive incentives and an easy way for referring, your well-designed driver referral program can quickly become your number one source for generating new drivers and incentivizing your existing drivers.

Looking for third party recruitment help? Reach out to DriverFly’s Custom Trucker Recruiting team today for hiring qualified CDL drivers in your area.