As in many industries but is felt far more acutely in the transportation and logistics industry, the balancing of profits and human capital with the overall goal of the business is vital to success. In the transportation and logistics industry, this difficult balance is further complicated by managing the risks in the global economy and the risks faced by employees like drivers. Current trends in the industry are focused around promoting this balance.

Employee Retention and Safety

This is a priority across multiple economic sectors however given the recent struggles in the global supply chain this has become a major priority for the transport and logistics industry. Global shortages in experienced drivers have not only driven the need to retain said drivers with very competitive CDL truck driver salary packages but also improved safety conditions. 

The key technology to improving safety is monitoring technology often including GPS systems and instruments to measure the wellness of employees. From those working in warehouses to truck drivers, monitoring technology has improved the safety of all those involved. This trend is expected to continue as the technology improves driver retention benefits are also expected to rise.

Employee Engagement

Uncertain economic times often raise the question of the future of work and while some of these educated guesses become reality it is current trends that prove to be a better determiner of future trends. On such a trend is how upper management is positively looking to improve engagement with employees. Looking at truck drivers as an example, they are on the road for exceedingly long periods with multiple risks including deteriorating road networks posing a significant risk.

By developing a company culture that respects the job and risks drivers face has proved to be a foundation for better employee engagement and better relationships. When the driver is seen as the vital cog they are in the industry, employee retention also improves. Further, by building that culture into an essential facet of the brand it will be easier to attract younger potential workers seeing that the average age of an experienced truck driver is approximately 48 years old. In attracting younger talent, some firms have found a lot of success in leveraging new technologies that provide value to staff, especially the younger staff.

Crisis Planning

The pandemic cast the global supply chain into turmoil, and despite the pandemic being beaten the effects on transportation and logistics are still being felt. Organizations are finding success in developing playbooks to deal with supply chain issues. Further, other types of crises that come up can also be planned for in this way.  From natural disasters and extreme weather to union organizing, protests, or a strike, all of the above can be better prepared for by developing a playbook to handle these situations.

In developing the playbook, special attention needs to be given to the unique situations that impact the industry. Another focus of the playbook’s design should be to maintain positive relationships between employees, failure to do this or even prepare for it can cause the crisis to have more of an impact, potentially costing the company far more than it ever would have intended.

Conclusion

Many of the current trends dominating transport and logistics are a direct result of the challenges facing the industry today. An aging workforce, global supply chain difficulties, and safety concerns regarding certain professions have all given rise to novel attempts to overcome these hurdles. This article includes only a few but much more needs to be done to secure the future.

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HR Future Staff Writer