Driver Market: Recruitment and Retention Challenges Ahead

Tia Amin

As the trucking industry enters 2025, the recruitment and retention of drivers will remain pivotal as the market begins to stabilize after the economic challenges of the past few years. With rising rates and a more favorable market for drivers, fleets need to rethink their strategies to both attract new talent and retain their existing workforce. The coming year presents a unique opportunity for companies to realign their recruitment efforts and improve driver satisfaction to ensure continued success.

The Great Freight Recession is Over: What’s Next for Driver Recruitment?

The “Great Freight Recession” has come to an end, providing a much-needed reprieve for carriers and drivers alike. As the market recovers, more drivers are likely to consider switching fleets or entering the job market for the first time in years. Historically, turnover in the trucking industry has been high, with the average driver switching employers multiple times per year. While 2024 saw some hesitation due to economic uncertainty, the trend is expected to shift in 2025 with improved conditions.

In this environment, carrier companies must take the opportunity to reassess how they recruit and retain drivers, focusing on the fundamentals that help build long-term relationships. Driver turnover is costly, and reducing it should be a priority. Providing drivers with a clear path to success, better communication, and more responsive hiring practices can set fleets apart in the competitive market.

Recruitment and Retention: The Key Focus for 2025

In the wake of the market’s recovery, recruitment will become even more competitive as drivers begin to explore new opportunities. Carriers will need to offer more than just attractive wages to retain and attract top talent. While bonuses and other incentives are often used, the real differentiator is how well a company communicates with its drivers during the hiring process.

Tenstreet CEO Tim Crawford highlights the importance of responsiveness in the recruitment process. Data shows that when carriers contact an applicant within five minutes of receiving an application, the likelihood of successfully hiring that driver increases by 40%. This immediate follow-up helps foster trust and demonstrates the carrier’s commitment to its drivers. Carrier companies must ensure they provide this level of attentiveness throughout the hiring process, setting the stage for positive relationships that will last.

Leveraging AI in the Hiring Process

Technology continues to play a critical role in recruitment, and 2025 will see more carriers incorporating AI-driven solutions to streamline processes and improve driver-recruiter relationships. Tenstreet has already developed AI-based tools that help reduce the time spent on routine tasks, allowing recruiters to focus on more meaningful interactions with drivers. These tools use insights from vast amounts of data to make the hiring process smoother and more personalized, ultimately improving retention rates.

As Crawford explains, while technology handles the repetitive tasks, it’s the human touch that drives real success. AI in recruitment will allow carriers to connect with drivers on a deeper level, fostering loyalty and ensuring that drivers feel valued beyond just their paycheck.

Retaining Drivers in a Competitive Market

As the driver market grows more competitive, retaining drivers will be just as important as attracting them. For carriers, keeping drivers satisfied is key to reducing turnover and maintaining a stable workforce. Ensuring that drivers feel supported throughout their time with a company — from onboarding to daily operations — will help strengthen relationships and improve long-term retention.

It’s not just about recruitment. It’s about continuing to support drivers after they’ve been hired. When drivers feel appreciated and are offered opportunities for growth, they are more likely to stay with a company long-term. Carriers that can demonstrate this commitment to their workforce will find themselves with a competitive advantage in 2025.

To gain deeper insights into how recruitment and retention strategies are evolving in logistics and freight, visit Stellar Logistix. Their platform provides valuable resources for both shippers and carriers, helping them stay ahead of trends and improve operational efficiency. Discover how advanced logistics strategies are shaping the industry, offering new opportunities and solutions for businesses of all sizes.

For more information on driver recruitment and retention strategies, check out Tenstreet. Their suite of AI-driven tools and resources are designed to help carriers enhance their hiring processes, improve driver engagement, and reduce turnover. Learn more about how Tenstreet is revolutionizing the driver recruitment industry with cutting-edge technology and expert insights.