31 Tips To Hire Best Drivers For Your Fleet

Many large fleet management organizations consider their drivers integral to their public image and customer service. They are, therefore, willing to invest a substantial amount of time and money into training and recruiting competent drivers.

In the modern world, fleet managers face significant challenges when hiring drivers. A shortage of qualified applicants is one such challenge.

The reasons for this include the aging of the drivers, government regulations limiting the number of hours a driver can work at a time and in a week, increased freighting demands because of an improved economy, younger drivers taking up alternate jobs instead of driving, lack of driving experience among younger drivers, long working hours at a stretch, etc., among others.

The following are the skills, backgrounds, certifications, and other qualities you should keep in mind when hiring drivers for your fleet and addressing the abovementioned shortage.

Consider the following points when hiring drivers for your fleet:

1. It would help to first interview a fleet driver candidate before hiring them. This will allow you to determine how efficient they are and how trustworthy they are likely to be.
2. After interviewing the shortlisted candidates, lead them to a second practical driving test. This is the next phase of screening that will help you to filter the better drivers for your fleet. You can evaluate their driving skills here. This will give you an idea of how well they handle the vehicle and drive under different circumstances, such as heavy traffic or a tight schedule.
3. Perform a background check and make sure the driver has no criminal history. Drivers should also be held accountable for their safety and the safety of others on the road.
4. Make sure to examine the driver's licenses and driving certifications thoroughly. This is a crucial step in the hiring process.
5. Conduct a driver's health checkup before giving them the job. They should be fit enough to drive for long hours in a day.
6. As part of the application process, candidates should provide evidence in the form of a work portfolio that shows they possess the needed skills to perform their job responsibilities.
7. Today's driver should be a tech-savvy person who understands how to use technology to manage a vehicle and its cargo. Cars and trucks are equipped with the latest gadgets, including GPS trackers and fleet fuel cards. The candidate should be able to use these fully to manage the journey.
8. You must be ready to face various daily driving situations as a driver. It would help if you also were patient and courteous while driving, as this helps you maintain a positive attitude toward the end of your work day.
9. A good driver must be able to remain calm and composed. They should be able to contain their anger when under the most stressful conditions.
10. The drivers' sense of responsibility in handling the vehicle, money, time, and the jobs they are entrusted with is fundamental to a successful business.
11. Drivers of your fleet vehicles should professionally conduct themselves at all times. They should be polite to clients and co-workers and obey the rules of the road and traffic signs.
12. How a company's drivers treat customers is an important part of building the company's image. Therefore, you should choose those drivers who interact with your customers in the best possible way.
13. Drivers must often perform multiple tasks simultaneously. For example, they may be required to shift gears while keeping an eye on the road and checking their mirrors. According to research into human multitasking abilities, it is difficult for people to perform more than one task at a time with maximum efficiency.
14. A safe driver is duty-bound to be trustworthy and responsible for the people or goods transported by the vehicle. The driver should conduct themselves in a way that will not jeopardize the trust placed in them by the fleet owners.
15. The driver must be alert at all times to avoid accidents. If a driver can hear traffic signals and other important sounds, he will be able to respond quickly enough to avoid accidents. Drivers with excellent hand-eye coordination can effectively steer their vehicles when the road is wet or slippery or if they need to brake suddenly.
16. Drivers that you hire should always be honest. They have more than just the vehicle on their hands at any point in time; they are responsible for the safety and well-being of other people.
17. Drivers must be physically strong and fit. They must be capable of overcoming any adverse situation. They are likely to encounter a wide range of people during their long-haul trips, including those who may be difficult to handle.
18. Background checks and screenings should include reviewing the applicant's driving history for at least the last ten years.
19. Employers should be cautious about hiring individuals with prior DUI convictions. Employers must have a zero-tolerance policy toward driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol.
20. When your company's routes extend across national borders, you should ensure that the driver's license and background records comply with the regulations of each country.
21. For companies looking to hire truck drivers, veterans make good candidates. Because of their experience handling large vehicles and equipment and their ability to adapt quickly to mechanical systems, former service members can quickly become proficient truck drivers.
22. Recruiting middle-aged candidates as drivers allows you to bring in individuals with greater maturity, more life skills, and a wider range of experiences.
23. Hiring legal immigrants increases the likelihood that your customer service representatives will speak multiple languages and be able to communicate effectively with your clients.
24. When choosing a candidate for a position within an organization, the candidate must possess collaborative communication skills with the company and the public.
25. Hiring a candidate with good mathematical skills can significantly improve your company's ability to understand its customer's needs and correct billing/invoice errors.
26. A clean appearance and friendly demeanor are important for driver recruits, as these factors help improve customer relationships.
27. It is advantageous for a recruiter to find out if a candidate has a preferred route to work or a preferred shift. This information can then entice the applicant into accepting an offer of employment.
28. Awarding plum routes and work schedules to experienced drivers is a good idea. This will encourage them to remain with the company for a longer period, resulting in better performance on their part and greater customer satisfaction.
29. Investing in advanced training and skills development for deserving drivers is a smart move on the part of a recruiter. The investment shows that you value that person's expertise, making them more loyal to your company.
30. When hiring employees, it is important to seek out candidates with sound knowledge of both verbal and written communication in Arabic (native) and English. This ensures optimum communications and that all required documentation is in place.
31. The most desirable quality in a candidate for this job is a love of driving. Anyone who loves their job tends to do it well. Driving a truck or a car can be an enjoyable employment option for someone who does not want the routine of working in an office.

Follow these tips to hire a driver in Dubai.