Employment, retention and benefits: Fall 2024 Truck Driver Survey

Conversion Interactive Agency shared the survey results on the priorities, challenges and sentiments of truck drivers in today's market.

Conversion Interactive Agency has shared the results of the 2024 Fall Truck Driver Survey, conducted in collaboration with People. Data. Analytics (PDA). This survey provides key insights into the priorities, challenges, and sentiments of truck drivers in the current market, offering valuable perspectives for transportation companies. It also explores the reasons why truckers change or leave their jobs, as well as the needs they seek to fulfill when partnering with a company.

One of the most notable findings is that, according to the survey data, 85% of drivers apply for jobs at more than one company when seeking new opportunities. 39.9% apply to two or three companies, and 28.3% apply to more than five, underscoring the need for carriers to be quick and proactive in their hiring efforts—an ongoing topic in the industry.

Job search in the transportation sector: results from the 2024 Fall Truck Driver Survey

Job searching is the recurring theme this year, as 40.7% of the drivers surveyed reported that they are currently looking for work. This is the highest figure recorded since PDA began tracking these numbers. As a result, the survey revealed that the main factors driving the job search are predictable pay (81.9%), more time at home (65.7%), and the need for consistent miles (49.1%). This indicates that drivers are still impacted by an unbalanced market.

Retention remains a critical challenge. Only 53.3% of drivers feel valued in their current job, highlighting the need for companies to improve communication and foster a more empathetic and effective approach to reduce turnover and promote loyalty. In this context, timing plays a key role: proactive communication and the ability to quickly identify drivers facing difficulties are essential to address and resolve issues in a timely manner.

The survey also revealed a 25% increase in the demand for better benefits compared to the Spring 2024 survey, reflecting drivers’ growing interest in stability and quality of life. On the other hand, many drivers are optimistic about the upcoming year: 51.1% of respondents believe that 2025 will be a better year for the sector. Additionally, economists predict a gradual recovery for most freight transport sectors.

Driver hiring and time at home

A relevant finding from the survey is that nearly half of the drivers (48.2%) would be willing to accept a lower salary in exchange for more time at home, emphasizing the importance of balancing work and personal life in retention strategies. Additionally, 59.4% of drivers indicated that they are not earning a better salary compared to the previous year. According to Conversion Interactive Agency, the data analyzed in the sector suggests that predictable and competitive compensation is key to improving driver satisfaction and retention in the current market.

When asked about areas for improvement by companies and driver recruiters, the respondents answered as follows:

Compensation and benefits: 86.1%
Operations and load planning: 63.6%
Bonuses: 44.7%
Equipment: 39.9%
Company policies: 32.1%
Orientation and training: 26.7%

Finally, the survey emphasizes the need for carriers to use technology and innovative strategies to improve their hiring and retention processes. Companies that prioritize predictable compensation, transparency, and driver satisfaction will have a competitive edge in the industry.