It turns out younger drivers leave jobs within the first six months at a higher rate than their older counterparts, but it's as big a difference as you might think. 
 -  Source: Stay Metrics

It turns out younger drivers leave jobs within the first six months at a higher rate than their older counterparts, but it's as big a difference as you might think.

Source: Stay Metrics

A new study by Stay Metrics has found younger drivers are only slightly more prone to leaving a carrier within the first six months than their middle-aged counterparts.

On average nearly 60% of all drivers in every age group will leave their carrier within the first six months, and as much as 35% will leave within the first 90 days, reports the driver retention consulting and analytics firm. Turnover is a critical problem in the trucking industry, with increased demand and decreasing capacity the need for drivers is as great as ever.

A common belief in the trucking industry, according to Stay Metrics, is that younger drivers are more apt to impulsive decision-making and are more likely to leave a job quickly.  The research group’s study, which sampled 103,652 drivers from 140 carriers, did confirm this belief to an extent. Drivers aged 21-40 did have turnover rates higher than the average.

Drivers aged 26-30 had the highest turnover rate in the study at nearly 69% – but aged 21-25 year old drivers were only 2% more likely to leave than drivers aged 41-45. The lower rate for younger drivers could indicate that a lack of experience reduces their options to leave, keeping their turnover rate lower. The 56-60 age group had the lowest turnover at just 49%.

This information could be important for trucking companies who support a recent bill to bring younger CDL drivers into the trucking industry. The DRIVE-Safe Act, if passed, would allow drivers between the ages of 18-21 to operate across state lines if they meet training requirements.

“Contrary to popular belief, ‘Millennial’ drivers are only slightly more likely than middle-age Gen X drivers to leave their carriers,” said Tim Hindes, chief executive officer of Stay Metrics. “The study shows age is a factor, but we don't see that impulsive decision making we often associate with youth as a leading cause of early driver turnover.”


Related: Fleets Boost Pay to Get Truck Drivers to Stay

About the author
Staff Writer

Staff Writer

Editorial

Our team of enterprising editors brings years of experience covering the fleet industry. We offer a deep understanding of trends and the ever-evolving landscapes we cover in fleet, trucking, and transportation.  

View Bio
0 Comments