How to Hire Fleet Drivers Quickly During COVID-19 Outbreak

While the COVID-19 pandemic has halted business in many industries, it has put some fleet operations in high-demand as businesses and people rely more than ever on on-time deliveries and transportation. 

With the need to deliver goods as soon as possible, fleet operations may need to hire more drivers – and quickly. Get tips on how to add more drivers to your staff during the novel coronavirus outbreak. 

How to Find Candidates 

One of the most difficult tasks when hiring new drivers is finding candidates. While there has been a driver shortage, in the current economy there are many people who have been laid off or furloughed who may be looking for work during the health crisis.  

Use these tips for how to find new drivers for your fleet operation: 

• Advertise openings online: With so many people in the U.S. at home during the coronavirus pandemic, fleet operations can likely reach more potential candidates online than through any other channel. Placing digital ads on local news websites that candidates may be going to more frequently to get information on the virus or placing job postings on social media platforms can get more traffic. 
• Hold virtual job fairs: With the lack of in-person options, fleet operations can hold virtual job fairs to attract candidates. These can be advertised on the company’s website, social media platforms or through digital ads. 
• Conduct online interviews: Once an applicant pool is established, operations can hold the interview process over the phone or online. This will enable fleet managers to speak with candidates and get to know them without jeopardizing anyone’s health through an in-person meeting. 
• Ask current drivers for referrals: One of the best options to recruit new drivers quickly is to ask current employees if they have any referrals. This can give you a larger pool of interested candidates. 

What to Look for in New Drivers 

When interviewing potential fleet drivers, it’s important to hire the right ones who will best fit with your team. Some qualities to look for in potential drivers includes: 

• Reliability: Operations need drivers who are reliable and can be depended upon to complete their scheduled routes in a timely and efficient manner. 
• On-time: Drivers need to be on-time when arriving to work and starting and completing their routes.  
• Safe: Drivers need to take caution when behind the wheel, making sure to be alert and aware of their surroundings.  

• Clean record: Drivers need to have a good driving record to ensure they are safe and responsible. This not only ensures the operation is putting a good driver on the road, but it also helps the company avoid potentially high insurance premiums. 
• Good vision and hearing: Drivers should undergo vision and hearing tests prior to being hired to ensure they can safely and legally operate a vehicle.  

When recruiting new drivers, fleet operations should make sure they are upfront with candidates about the expectations for the job. This can include: 

• Length of the position: Tell the candidates if this is a full-time, part-time or contract job. It should also be conveyed if this is only a temporary position to get the fleet through the current health crisis. 
• Hours: Be upfront about the expectations of hours required for the job. Let candidates know if there will be long hours or odd shifts.  

• Risks: Let candidates know if there are any health risks associated with the position that could possibly expose a person to the virus or other issues.