Driver shortage can seriously slam the breaks on your rideshare company’s business goals. A lack of drivers means extended customer wait time and increases the likelihood that a customer will look to one of your competitors to get them where they need to go.
If you are struggling to find drivers or you are just starting out and need to get lots of drivers on board, this article can help.
We will cover tactics you can use to get in front of potential drivers, including
Then we will cover ways your business can make itself more attractive to potential driver patterns, including
Compensation, bonuses, and benefits
Professional development
Investing in driver support
Providing flexible scheduling
Creating a sense of community
The role your fleet management system plays in driver retention
Lastly, we’ll dive into a few ways you can measure the success of each of these methods and find out which ones help you attract the most driver partners.
Advertising on job boards and employment websites
Many job seekers use online platforms to search for job opportunities. Consider posting drivers wanted ads on popular employment websites and job boards to reach a wider pool of potential candidates.
Here are some of the top job boards for you to consider:
ZipRecruiter is a website and mobile application that connects job seekers with employers. It is a job board and recruiting platform that allows employers to post job listings and job seekers to search and apply for jobs.
Similar to ZipRecruiter, Simply hired is a job board that allows employers to post jobs for candidates.
Leveraging Your Network
You may already have connections within your personal or professional network who would be interested in driving for your ridesharing business. It’s a good idea to reach out to these individuals and let them know about the opportunity to drive for your new business.
Partnering with local organizations
Local organizations, such as schools, churches, and community centers, can be a great help in assisting you in finding drivers. Many of them have personnel dedicated to job outreach. It is worth contacting local organizations where you wish to operate your rideshare business to see if they are willing to work with you.
Hosting recruitment events
Hosting a recruitment event can be a great way to connect with potential drivers and give them a chance to learn more about your business. Consider hosting a job fair or an open house where you can meet with potential candidates and answer any questions they may have.
You can utilize the methods we talked about earlier in this article to get the word out and create buzz around your event.
If you really want to pack your event, consider working with a local food truck to provide attendees with a meal as an incentive for showing up.
Getting Driver’s Attention with Social Media
Social media platforms can be a powerful tool for recruiting drivers. Use social media platforms to promote your job opening and connect with potential candidates. You can also use social media to create a sense of community and keep drivers engaged and motivated once they join your team.
Here’s a rundown of popular social platforms and some ideas you can use to get started.
Facebook: With over 2 billion monthly active users, Facebook is a powerful platform for reaching a wide range of potential drivers. You can create a Facebook page and use it to post job listings, share information about your company, and connect with potential drivers.
Instagram: With a focus on visual content, Instagram is a great platform for showcasing the lifestyle and culture of becoming a driver at your rideshare company.
LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that can be used to reach potential drivers who have experience in transportation or ridesharing. You can create a LinkedIn page and use it to post job listings, share information about your company, and connect with potential drivers.
Twitter: Twitter is a fast-paced platform that can be used to share short updates, job listings, and information about the company. You can also use Twitter to connect with potential drivers, answer questions, and share news and updates about your company.
TikTok: TikTok is a rapidly growing social media platform that is particularly popular among younger audiences. Additionally, the platform's algorithm is designed to help accounts reach a wider audience by showing content to users who have shown interest in similar content.
Strategies for attracting drivers
Attracting drivers to work for your ridesharing company can be a challenging task, especially in a crowded market. However, with the right strategies and tactics, a fleet manager can make their company an attractive option for potential drivers. Here are some tips for attracting drivers to work for your ridesharing company.
Offer competitive pay and benefits:One of the most important factors for drivers is their earning potential. Make sure that your pay and benefits package is competitive with other ridesharing companies in your market. This can include things like higher rates per mile or per minute, bonuses for completing a certain number of rides or just for signing on, and additional benefits like health insurance or retirement savings plans.
Provide flexible scheduling: Many ridesharing drivers prioritize flexible work options that allow them to set their own schedule and work as much or as little as they want. Consider offering flexible scheduling options that allow drivers to choose when they want to work and how many hours they want to put in each week.
Invest in driver support: It's important for ridesharing drivers to feel supported and valued by their company. Make sure that you have a dedicated team of driver support specialists who can help drivers with any questions or issues they may have. This can include things like providing assistance with vehicle maintenance, offering guidance on the best routes and times to work, and helping drivers navigate any challenges they may face on the road.
Create a sense of community: When drivers feel like they are part of a larger community, they are more likely to recommend your company to friends and stay on as a driver for longer. Consider organizing regular meet-ups or events where drivers can socialize and connect with each other. As we mentioned above, you can also use social media and other online platforms to create a sense of community and keep drivers engaged and motivated.
Provide opportunities for professional development: Many ridesharing drivers are looking for opportunities to grow and develop their skills. Consider offering training and development programs to help drivers improve their skills and advance their careers. This can include things like driver safety training, customer service training, and even leadership development programs.
The role your fleet management system plays in driver retention
One of the best tools for attracting new drivers is making the drivers you already have happy.
Fleet management systems, like EverTransit, can help your company retain drivers by providing a range of tools and resources that make it easier for drivers to manage their work. Some examples of how EverTransit can help retain drivers include:
Automated dispatch: EverTransit can automate the dispatch process, which can help drivers get more fares and reduce downtime between rides, leading to more income and job satisfaction.
Real-time tracking: EverTransit can provide real-time tracking of drivers, vehicles, and passengers, which can improve efficiency and increase safety, which can make the job more appealing for drivers.
Driver communication: EverTransit can provide driver-to-driver communication which can help drivers coordinate and share information, leading to a better working experience.
Driver incentives: EverTransit can help rideshare companies to create and manage driver incentives, such as bonuses for hitting certain milestones or rewards for working during busy times, which can increase job satisfaction for drivers and make the job more appealing.
