Top 9 Driver Recruiting Tips for 2025A Recruiting Knowledge Round-Up from the Hire Truckers Podcast
Aaron Craddock
March 17, 2025
In the competitive world of truck driver recruiting, success often comes down to building genuine relationships and creating a supportive environment where drivers can thrive. What does that entail? On the Hire Truckers podcast we get to talk with many driver recruiting experts throughout the year and in this article we've compiled some of the best advice we've heard. Join us as industry experts share their insights on what makes recruiting efforts effective and sustainable.
1. Build Personal Relationships
Luke Wimberly from McElroy Truck Links, emphasizes that while competitive pay is important, personal relationships often make the difference in driver retention. "People need people, not just jobs," Wimberly explains. When drivers have meaningful connections with dispatchers, operations managers, and safety personnel, they're more likely to stay with a company even if competitors offer slightly higher pay.
The strength of these relationships creates a sense of loyalty that goes beyond monetary considerations. As Wimberly points out, drivers often need compelling reasons to leave a company where they have strong personal connections.
List to the full podcast episode.
2. Embrace a Driver Support Philosophy
Tracy Rushing from R.E Garrison Trucking, introduces an interesting perspective on trucking company roles: you either drive a truck or support those who drive a truck. This simple but powerful framework helps align everyone's efforts toward a common goal - supporting drivers.
This philosophy transforms everyday tasks into meaningful contributions:
Maintenance staff ensuring trucks are ready and safe
Driver managers coordinating loads while considering drivers' personal schedules
Custodial staff maintaining comfortable rest areas
Administrative staff handling paperwork efficiently
Listen to the full podcast episode.
3. Foster Open Communication
Chris Harbin emphasizes the value of transparent communication throughout the recruiting process. Effective communication involves:
Answering calls promptly
Providing accurate information about routes and pay
Facilitating conversations between drivers and terminal managers
Following up consistently
Listen to the full podcast episode.
4. Continue Conversations After Orientation
Stacy and Sandie from Hobby Lobby share their approach to maintaining strong relationships with drivers after orientation. They regularly check in with new drivers to ensure expectations are being met and address any concerns promptly.
Listen to the full podcast episode.
5. Maintain an Accessible Management Team
Rodney Eaves with Baggett Transportation highlights the importance of accessibility in management. Having leadership that's available when drivers need support helps build trust and demonstrates commitment to driver success.
Listen to the full podcast episode.
6. Create a Strong Company Culture
Lance Christensen discusses how focusing solely on being the highest-paying carrier isn't sustainable. Instead, companies should invest in creating a positive culture that attracts and retains drivers for reasons beyond compensation. This approach leads to more stable, long-term relationships with drivers.
Listen to the full podcast episode.
7. Focus on Driver Retention
Sadie Church with Recruit, Hire, Retain draws attention to the connection between retention and recruiting success. "Recruiting is like filling a bucket - you don't want the bucket to be full of holes," she explains. By setting clear expectations and creating positive experiences, companies can:
Reduce turnover rates
Lower cost per hire
Increase driver referrals
Improve overall fleet stability
Listen to the full podcast episode.
8. Develop Your Recruiting Team
Bobbi Leach with Expediter Services shares insights on developing effective recruiters through self-evaluation and coaching. This approach helps recruiters improve their skills and maintain motivation in a challenging role.
Listen to the full podcast eposide.
9. Implement Data-Driven Processes
Brad Hackett emphasizes the importance of clean data and efficient systems in recruiting. A well-structured applicant tracking system helps optimize:
Lead conversion rates
Application processing times
Marketing spend effectiveness
Overall recruiting performance
Listen to the full podcast episode.
This article was adapted from interviews with Luke Wimberly, Tracy Rushing, Chris Harvin, Stacy and Sandie from Hobby Lobby, Rodney Eaves, Lance Christensen, Sadie Church, Bobbi Leach, and Brad Hackett on the Hire Truckers podcast, hosted by Aaron Craddock.