How technology affects driver retention

Friend or foe? 52% of drivers say technology directly influences their decision to stay with or leave a fleet.

Fleet telematics company Platform Science published an analysis titled Driver Experience Report 2026, in which, through an anonymous survey of more than 1,100 active commercial drivers, it evaluates the influence of technology on their decision to remain with or leave a fleet.

The commercial trucking industry continues to operate under the imminent threat of a severe driver shortage in the coming years; the latest forecasts from the American Trucking Associations estimate a shortfall of 160,000 drivers by 2030 if significant improvements are not made, according to the Platform Science report.

On average, losing a driver can cost a company up to $12,799, including recruiting, benefits, training, scheduling, and other investments the fleet has made in each driver.

In response to these trends, fleets have addressed high turnover rates on multiple fronts. However, turnover has remained elevated over the past two years and is expected to continue through 2025, the report states.

Technology: drivers’ friend or foe?

Against this backdrop, Platform Science set out to assess how retention is affected by its area of expertise: technology. The company conducted a qualitative survey to better understand the driver experience within commercial trucking fleets and shared the findings in the report.

According to the Driver Experience Report 2026, 52% of drivers say technology directly influences their decision to stay with or leave a fleet. While 47% of respondents say technology makes their job easier, a slight majority (53%) believe it actually makes their work more difficult.

Although 80% of drivers leave a fleet due to pay, according to the 2025 survey by Commercial Carrier Journal, other factors are also at play, such as poorly implemented technology, which has become one of the leading sources of driver frustration and significantly impacts turnover, Platform Science reports.

For drivers, technology only works when it makes the job easier—not harder. According to the Driver Experience Report 2026, the following technology failures undermine drivers’ trust:

Disconnected applications – Drivers struggle with multiple logins and tools that do not communicate with each other.
Confusing workflows – Inconsistent or unclear processes cause simple tasks to take longer than they should.
Unclear camera policies – A lack of transparency around in-cab cameras creates discomfort and distrust.
Unreliable equipment records – DVIRs and maintenance tools that do not function consistently increase frustration and risk.
Surveillance instead of support – Drivers find it difficult to see real value when technology feels complex or intrusive.

Conversely, there are areas where technology becomes a strong ally for truck drivers. According to the Platform Science report, these are the areas where technology effectively supports drivers:

Transparency in pay and policies – Easy access to pay details and company policies sets expectations and builds trust.
Simple two-way communication – Messaging tools that connect drivers and back-office teams help resolve issues more quickly.
Safety-first workflows – Reliable, connected DVIRs and compliance tools enable safer operations with less effort.
Streamlined daily tasks – Fewer logins, fewer taps, and smoother navigation allow drivers to focus on the road.
Reduced cognitive load – When tools are intuitive and integrated, drivers can work more efficiently and accurately, spending more time doing what they enjoy most: driving and earning money.

Recommendations for fleets: improving drivers’ relationship with technology

The Driver Experience Report 2026 suggests that fleets can turn technology into a competitive advantage by focusing on integration and simplicity. To improve retention, the report recommends that fleet managers take the following actions:

Involve drivers – Include driver representatives when evaluating new technologies or procedures before implementation.
Build trust and transparency – Ensure that core equipment and compliance tools function consistently and securely.
Choose driver-friendly technology – Prioritize solutions that simplify drivers’ workflows rather than add extra steps.

In this way, fleets can help drivers develop a more positive attitude toward technology. The report concludes that over time, these changes will impact industry turnover rates, as drivers experience greater job satisfaction within their fleets and have stronger incentives to remain with those where tools make their work more efficient and safer—and where their opinions are heard and valued.