Attracting and hiring great drivers that not only know how to operate a truck safely and efficiently, but can also work well with others, handle stressful situations effectively, and even lead a team of other drivers is no small feat.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, millennials will make up 75 percent of the nation’s labor pool by 2030. If you’re feeling the driver shortage pinch, we suggest you read on. Attracting and retaining great drivers that are also a good culture fit is a challenge faced by fleets across the nation.

HireRight’s recent 2017 Transportation Spotlight Report reveals key trends and concerns in the trucking industry -- with the demand for truckers being the most critical issue. Not surprising. Some of the most significant highlights and survey findings in this year’s report include the steps fleet owners and carriers are taking to address the driver shortage as well as the innovative, technology-based recruitment and retention strategies being implemented. 

When it comes to hiring new drivers, we’ve found that more and more fleet owners are turning to technology to make the entire recruitment and management process faster, easier, and more effective. Workflow management tools, behavioral assessments, and systems that can generate candidate analytics are now being adopted by innovative and forward-thinking operators.

Even with the advent of new technology across almost every aspect of transportation, shipping and distribution, the lifeblood of the American economy still pumps via big rigs and truck drivers. Almost 70% of the freight tonnage that's shipped from sea to shining sea each year is done so on the backs of trucks. It's a reality that will likely hold true for the foreseeable future.