Companies Who are Nailing Their Truck Driver Retention Program

One of the biggest issues in the trucking industry in America — extremely high driver turnover, sometimes upwards of 90% and higher — has plagued the trucking industry for decades. Is it just the nature of the business? Or are there solutions that could actually tackle the problem once and for all? 

After working with trucking carriers and other frontline industry leaders for more than a decade, we’ve seen firsthand that some companies aren’t just surviving the turnover crisis, they’re actively solving it. Today we’re spotlighting some of the hard-working companies that are nailing their truck driver retention programs by making fundamental shifts in the way they operate, engage, and support their drivers, 

What Are Turnover Rates So High?

Before we dive into the case studies, let’s take a look at what causes driver turnover and how rates get so high. Several factors contribute to high truck driver turnover rates:

• Work-life balance. Life on the road is demanding. Many truck drivers struggle to balance their professional and personal lives, and an ongoing imbalance often leads to job dissatisfaction and high turnover rates.
• Driver safety concerns. Safety is a critical issue in the trucking industry. Drivers frequently cite concerns about their safety on the road, which can lead to burnout and a desire to leave the profession. 
• Compensation and benefits. Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits are essential to retain drivers. When truck drivers feel undervalued or inadequately compensated, they are more likely to seek employment elsewhere.

The Role of Driver Feedback in Retention

One often overlooked tool in driver retention is effective communication. By maintaining an open line of communication between drivers and leaders, ensuring drivers stay informed, and establishing real connections throughout the workforce, companies can use communication to build culture. 

Real-time feedback is one of the most powerful additions to such a communications plan. With a platform like WorkHound, drivers can share concerns anonymously, which the platform then delivers to leaders in real time, allowing them to take immediate action to address the issues at hand. This ongoing dialogue allows management to regularly identify and address issues before they escalate, ultimately improving driver satisfaction and retention rates.

This proactive approach not only helps in reducing truck driver turnover but also fosters a culture of trust and transparency. 

Here’s a look at how these trucking companies used WorkHound to promote retention and drive real business results.

Covenant Logistics Keeps 1,000 More Drivers

Like many carriers, Covenant faced the costly impact of high driver turnover. Recruiting new drivers is expensive, but losing experienced drivers can be even more damaging to operations. Covenant knew that to truly reduce churn, they needed real-time insights into what was causing drivers to leave — before they walked away.

Covenant partnered with WorkHound to implement an anonymous feedback platform that gave drivers a direct line of communication with leadership. Instead of waiting for exit interviews, they got real-time, unfiltered insights into what mattered most to their drivers.

With this feedback, Covenant could identify issues early, act quickly, and make meaningful changes before drivers felt the need to leave.

After a full year of using WorkHound, our team helped Covenant Logistics retain over 1,000 additional drivers and hit their best retention rate in company history.

PS Logistics Cuts Turnover In Half

PS Logistics significantly improved driver retention by leveraging WorkHound’s anonymous feedback platform to better understand driver needs and support them. 

After initially implementing WorkHound at P&S Transportation, company leaders decided to expand the platform to seven more subsidiaries, supporting nearly 5,000 drivers in all. The company’s commitment to real-time driver concerns has shaped policies like holiday pay, 401(k) matching, and equipment upgrades, proving that engagement leads to retention.

By actively listening to drivers, PS Logistics enhanced pay structures, upgraded equipment, and streamlined operations, fostering a culture of trust and responsiveness. Ultimately, with WorkHound’s help, the company was able to cut turnover by over 50% — from 85% to 32%. 

R.E. Garrison Sees Substantial Savings on Drive Replacement Costs

The leadership team at R.E. Garrison initially faced skepticism about whether anonymous driver feedback would make a difference — but the results quickly spoke for themselves. Within six months of using WorkHound, the R.E. Garrison team had saved $75,000 in driver replacement costs, improved engagement with quieter drivers, and achieved their best on-time delivery rates in over a decade.

By proactively addressing concerns, leadership doubled the number of drivers receiving support, proving that listening isn’t just good for morale — it’s good for business. 

Melton Truck Increases Driver Satisfaction

Melton Truck Lines, with over 1,200 drivers, needed a real-time feedback solution to improve driver satisfaction and retention. Initially relying on large, periodic surveys, they sought a more immediate way to address driver concerns. By implementing WorkHound, Melton gained instant driver insights, allowing leadership to quickly resolve issues and enhance communication.

The results were clear: Driver retention hit 89% just 30 days after launch, supported by leadership’s proactive approach, including personalized outreach and technology-driven updates.

American Central Transport (ACT) Reduces Driver Turnover

American Central Transport (ACT) knew that open-door policies weren’t enough for drivers thousands of miles from headquarters. To make communication meaningful, they turned to WorkHound, giving drivers a direct and anonymous way to share feedback — not just about their jobs, but also about office personnel and company policies.

By acting on real-time insights, ACT strengthened relationships between drivers and leadership, leading to a 30% increase in annual driver retention and a culture where drivers feel truly heard.

Key Strategies to Build Your Own Driver Retention Program

By incorporating these strategies, trucking companies can develop robust driver retention programs that not only reduce turnover rates but also enhance operational efficiency and overall driver satisfaction.

Implement Real-time Feedback Mechanisms

Use platforms like WorkHound to gather continuous, anonymous feedback from drivers. This helps identify and address concerns promptly, supporting both driver satisfaction and retention.

Promote a Culture of Communication

Ensure that communication channels are open and effective across all levels of the organization. Regular touchpoints and updates from upper management can help drivers feel valued and engaged. They deserve the same level of communication and access to information as the rest of the workforce. 

Focus on Driver Safety and Well-being

Prioritize driver safety through comprehensive training programs and by maintaining a strong safety culture. Highlighting the importance of driver safety can reduce turnover and improve job satisfaction. It also shows drivers that you care about them, breeding a sense of value. 

Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits

Provide competitive compensation packages and comprehensive benefits to attract and retain talented drivers. If you don’t pay drivers what they’re worth, they will gladly leave if someone offers them a better deal. 

Encourage Professional Growth and Development

Offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help drivers advance their careers. A focus on professional growth can increase job satisfaction and reduce turnover rates.

Recognize and Reward Drivers

Establish programs to recognize and reward drivers for their hard work and exceptional performance. This can boost morale and encourage drivers to stay with the company longer.

When companies care about their fleet and take steps to show it, drivers are more invested in their jobs, more loyal to their company, and happier to show up to work every day. As companies like Covenant Logistics and R.E. Garrison can attest to, nailing a retention program starts with active listening and acting on what they hear. Companies that prioritize communication, trust, and responsiveness don’t just reduce turnover — they build a culture where drivers want to stay.

Boost Driver Retention with WorkHound

If you’d like to join this community of trucking companies and add WorkHound to your truck driver retention program, get in touch. We’re happy to talk through what drivers want!