We would like your opinion on the quality of drivers in the industry today!

roadscholar88

TB Lurker
Credits
0
Do you feel like the quality of drivers arriving at docks is decreasing? Why? Do you believe that seeking out the “lowest freight rate” has an impact? How about the driver shortage and the need to fill trucks regardless of experience/qualifications? Do you have any personal experiences with inexperienced or unprofessional drivers you can share?
 
New Do you feel like the quality of drivers arriving at docks is decreasing?

"Quality" of drivers overall has been decreasing and will only get worse.
LOOK at drivers nowadays. Foreigners comprise a larger percentage than just 10 years gone and many "bring their driving habits from their home countries".
Do you believe that seeking out the “lowest freight rate” has an impact?
"Lowest freight rate" has been and will continue to be the biggest pay-per-mile problem yet when drivers STOP ACCEPTING CHEAP FREIGHT, freight haul rates have to increase.
How about the driver shortage and the need to fill trucks regardless of experience/qualifications?
When Qualifications are reduced, as they've been for over a decade, professionalism (concern, care, quality, etc.) take/takes a nose dive into obscurity. Truck Drivers used to be known as KNIGHTS OF THE ROAD.
Do you have any personal experiences with inexperienced or unprofessional drivers you can share?
EVERY DAY I'm on any 4+ lane highway, 2-4+ lane bi-way, 2+ lane road. Experiences differ somewhat yet rather predictable.
Unprofessional conduct is everywhere in instances of: tailgating cars and trucks, unsafe speeds, unsafe lane change maneuvers, truck stop etiquette, driving attitude/characteristics, attitudes towards shippers/receivers, City Kitties, County Mounties, Full Grown Bears (State Troopers).
These newer drivers just do not like speed limits and drive at their own speeds regardless of outcome(s).
Accident, Crash and Wreck reports daily verify, pond to pond.
- - - -
CHEERS!!
 

"Quality" of drivers overall has been decreasing and will only get worse.

LOOK at drivers nowadays. Foreigners comprise a larger percentage than just 10 years gone and many "bring their driving habits from their home countries".

"Lowest freight rate" has been and will continue to be the biggest pay-per-mile problem yet when drivers STOP ACCEPTING CHEAP FREIGHT, freight haul rates have to increase.

When Qualifications are reduced, as they've been for over a decade, professionalism (concern, care, quality, etc.) take/takes a nose dive into obscurity. Truck Drivers used to be known as KNIGHTS OF THE ROAD.

EVERY DAY I'm on any 4+ lane highway, 2-4+ lane bi-way, 2+ lane road. Experiences differ somewhat yet rather predictable.
Unprofessional conduct is everywhere in instances of: tailgating cars and trucks, unsafe speeds, unsafe lane change maneuvers, truck stop etiquette, driving attitude/characteristics, attitudes towards shippers/receivers, City Kitties, County Mounties, Full Grown Bears (State Troopers).
These newer drivers just do not like speed limits and drive at their own speeds regardless of outcome(s).
Accident, Crash and Wreck reports daily verify, pond to pond.
- - - -
CHEERS!!
in other words, if i may paraphrase you my friend...

they suck.
 
The quality of the DRIVERS is probably very high. However, the quality of the millions of steering wheel holders and check seekers is not that great. You HAVE to understand, THERE IS A DIFFERENCE.
 
In our experience, truckers seem to be fine and upstanding people who work hard on the road. At Speedco, we generally encounter people who have good character and qualities about them. – The Speedco Team
 
The quality of the DRIVERS is probably very high. However, the quality of the millions of steering wheel holders and check seekers is not that great. You HAVE to understand, THERE IS A DIFFERENCE.
Not to mention, the absolute horrible treatment the DRIVERS get from their company and dispatchers is enough to give anyone a severe case of road rage.
 
At Speedco, we generally encounter people who have good character and qualities about them.
Because REAL TRUCK DRIVERS don't (usually) whine or have tantrums except, sometimes, for specific logical reasons, like at some truck shops where some Wrench(es) "broke some important item" and claimed he (or they) did not break it.
CHEERS!!
 
In our experience, truckers seem to be fine and upstanding people who work hard on the road. At Speedco, we generally encounter people who have good character and qualities about them. – The Speedco Team
and of course, many of us have heard the horror stories about "those quick lube shops", your company specifically..so as you can see, getting "good help" is hard these days...huh..????

https://www.pissedconsumer.com/speedco/RT-F.html
 
Last edited:
When a carrier says they have a driver shortage. It means the main terminal has a revolving front door

When a customer says the driver quality is poor ( see answer above ) or you can assume outside recruiters are approving thier applications ( usually recruiters who are retired from other then trucking )

When it comes to seeking the lowest freight rate ?

Don't complain if all the above becomes reality at your company
 
Not to mention, the absolute horrible treatment the DRIVERS get from their company and dispatchers is enough to give anyone a severe case of road rage.
There's also the horrible treatment to the Dispatchers and other staff from the drivers, especially the whiny drivers who complain about everything (and do their 30 minute breaks on fuel islands) and of course want instant gratification as well recognition (which they usually get, just not in the form they sought).
 
Top