Promoting good driver and fleet-manager relationships 

Long-haul driving is not an easy job. Long hours of negotiating traffic, roadworks and bad roads, as well as fending off fatigue and boredom, can take their toll. If drivers have poor relationships with their fleet managers, their job can become even more difficult and stressful.

Innovative Staffing Solutions MD, Arnoux Maré, says it is important to ensure drivers are not unduly stressed. “Stress leads to a lack of concentration, which could, in turn, lead to driver error and even accidents. That’s why it is important for fleet managers to create a balance between keeping drivers motivated and happy, while remaining firm about deadlines and work schedules.”

Maré suggests fleet managers prioritise trust and communication.

Harness the facts to build trust
Drivers need to know their fleet managers have their best interests at heart. “Obviously, logistics companies need to keep their vehicles on the road and want their drivers to be as productive as possible, but this should not be at the cost of their health or safety,” says Maré.

He points out that a good fleet-monitoring system can help manage driver schedules more effectively. “The better the reporting, the easier it is to make well-informed decisions. When fleet managers make fair decisions based on the facts, they build trust among their drivers, which is a critical component of a successful driver/fleet manager relationship,” adds Maré.

Keep communication channels open
While most employees in South Africa are expected to work a maximum of nine hours a day, six days a week, South Africa’s Bargaining Council allows drivers to work a maximum of 30 hours overtime per week.

Maré says high productivity pressure in the logistics industry can put a strain on the relationship between drivers and fleet managers, resulting in absenteeism or a general lack of commitment.

Maré says while meeting delivery deadlines is important, it is equally important that fleet managers put themselves in their drivers’ shoes. “They need to have an intimate understanding of what is required of their drivers and the challenges they face.”

In fact, communication is critical. “Fleet managers need to give drivers the chance to voice their issues, while fleet managers need to communicate their own challenges. Another way to build trust with drivers is through effective communication – something every good fleet manager should be adept at,” says Maré.

Get the basics right
The most effective fleet managers are good team leaders. In addition to being able to connect with their drivers and understand their challenges, they need to be able to provide them with the support and tools they need to do their jobs properly.

Maré says fleet managers need to provide a combination of regular driver evaluation and corrective training. Another critical component of the fleet manager’s toolbox is ensuring drivers have the know-how and time to conduct pre-route checks of tyres, brakes, leaks and lights – in addition to the truck having been through the truck depot for fuel top-ups, tyre checks, mechanical checks and washing.

Ultimately, the relationships between fleet managers and drivers are enhanced when both parties understand and respect their respective challenges.

“It is important for both parties to find solutions that do not compromise the safety of drivers and road users, or undermine the success of the business,” concludes Maré.