Con-way Truckload initiative takes driver shortage head-on

Filed in archive News on June 5, 2007

A new pay structure and various programs rolled out by Con-way Truckload during the first quarter of this year, which are designed to attract and qualified team drivers, promises to help the carrier retain drivers during a time when the annual driver turnover continues to exceed 100 percent, according to Con-way.

A major factor in attracting and retaining drivers, according to Clay Halla, president of Con-way Truckload, is through quality benefits. And the subsequent effect of this, he said, is to help shippers better meet their transportation objectives.

"We believe there is a direct correlation between driver retention and offering quality benefits," Halla told Logistics Management. "With a consistent driver base, we are better able to understand our shipper's freight transport needs. Our ultimate goal...is to provide the best possible service to these customers. To do that, we need the most committed and qualified team drivers. We clearly see the value in providing our drivers comprehensive benefits-in terms of direct compensation as a well as lifestyle benefits or the creature comfort benefits. In the end, the more drivers in our trucks the more capacity we can provide our shippers."

With more drivers equaling more capacity for shippers, Halla pointed out that Con-way's employee culture is one which is highly focused on the driver.

Logistics Management reported that the company's new pay structure and programs include:

- a $3,000 sign-on bonus for new, qualified team drivers;
- payment based on "practical miles"-payment closer to actual miles driven rather than industry-standard "shortest-route" compensation, enabling drivers to earn more;
- an annual Incentive Compensation Plan (ICP) - a company-wide reward of up to seven percent of annual pay for eligible drivers if the company meets its financial goals; increased vacation pay, and;
- voluntary "per-diem" pay, among others

These new enhancements further emphasize our commitment to our existing drivers and to the qualified, experienced, safe team drivers we are looking to add to our driver base," said Halla.

Halla added that this initiative makes sense for Con-way as softening freight on an industry-wide basis has resulted in fewer miles and lower paychecks for drivers.

"Because of this [lull in freight] drivers are continually looking to work for companies that can provide optimal mileage and steady paychecks," said Halla. "Con-way Truckload is unique among truckload carriers, because our freight volume remains steady during challenging times year round. This is due to the simple fact that we are moving the freight generated by Con-way's own LTL operations. Our volume never dips - keeping our fleet of trucks on the road, and guarding our driver teams' miles and paychecks, this differentiates us from our competitors."