Stay Metrics, a provider of evidence-based driver feedback, engagement, training, and retention solutions for the transportation industry, published a new research paper that attributes critical areas of driver job satisfaction and turnover intent to gender.

 Industry leaders have been emphasizing the need to recruit and retain more women as a solution to the driver shortage, which is expected to reach 63,000 in 2018. The Women in Trucking Association has an index that tracks the percentage of female drivers in the workforce. In early 2018, the index was just under eight percent.

For the second straight year, motor carriers have ranked the shortage of qualified drivers as their top concern in the American Transportation Research Institute’s annual Top Industry Issues report. Driver retention is at No. 3.

Stay Metrics assesses driver opinions and satisfaction levels on a wide range of areas that correlate with driver retention. The company administers an in-depth standardized Annual Driver Satisfaction Survey to drivers on behalf of its motor carrier clients.

Using its extensive research database, Stay Metrics analyzed responses from nearly 16,000 drivers who completed the survey from Jan. 1, 2017, to July 31.

The study found these key differences between male and female drivers’ responses:

Job Satisfaction. Female drivers tend to be more satisfied in most areas with their carriers. Women feel less bored by their work. They also feel more fairly compensated and satisfied with their home time.

Pre-Turnover Thoughts. Female drivers score significantly higher in the area of Pre-Turnover Thoughts, which indicates they are less likely to be thinking of leaving their present carriers than male drivers.

“Our new research explains why women drivers are more likely to stay with their carriers. To preserve this retention advantage, carriers should use a survey and feedback system that gives their drivers a safe and secure platform to anonymously share their feelings, opinions, and concerns to make sure they are addressed,” said Tim Hindes, co-founder and chief executive of Stay Metrics.

“Ten years ago carriers often claimed they didn’t care about the gender (race, age) of the driver.  Now we’re learning more about why we should focus on bringing more women into the industry, not just to fill seats, but to fill them with capable and well-trained drivers,” said Ellen Voie, president and CEO of the Women in Trucking Association.

“We value the research Stay Metrics has done to better understand how to attract and retain female drivers, and are thrilled to learn that women behind the wheel are often happier with their carriers and less likely to leave, which translates to lower turnover and a more valuable relationship.”

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