Carriers define their company culture through the values and goals that they set, and they are more likely to attract and retain younger employees who share those values and goals, according to the American Transportation Research Institute latest study “Integrating Younger Adults into Trucking Careers.”

A majority (84%) of the surveyed drivers between 18 and 25 years old indicated that they consider company culture important.

Many younger drivers said that they dislike cutthroat environments and prefer collaborative environments where managers, dispatchers, and other drivers see themselves as part of the same team.

Meanwhile, carriers reported that they are conducting more frequent surveys in order to understand younger employees’ satisfaction or concerns with current company practices.

“Employees appreciate being able to have their voices heard, although it is crucial that they can respond honestly without fear of reprisal,” ATRI officials wrote.

Younger drivers identified several practices for building a community-driven company culture. Here are three things that should be a part of your fleet culture.

1. Supportive Managers

Like most others in their generation, Millennial and Gen Z truck drivers indicated they appreciate managers or supervisors with whom they can develop a professional relationship of mutual respect.

“Younger drivers that are happy with their career often consider the supportive feedback of peers and supervisors as one of their favorite parts of the industry,” ATRI officials wrote.

Carriers are also bridging the communication gap between employees and management by conducting in-person management check-ins.

“Having management, particularly senior level staff, meet and listen to younger employees’ concerns demonstrates that a carrier places value in employees’ opinions,” according to the study.

2. Shared Strategies

Younger employees who feel trusted, informed, and invested are more likely to remain with their carrier.

Experienced drivers can provide coaching to younger drivers as they participate within an apprenticeship program and continue on as company drivers. Carriers that support the development of relationships between younger drivers and veteran drivers are likely to experience improved retention rates, according to the study.

“Younger employees highly value ongoing feedback and validation from multiple perspectives,” according to the study.

3. Social Interaction

Younger drivers mentioned their desire for casual opportunities to converse with their colleagues, such as a break room, where conversation can naturally occur before and after shifts.

To facilitate this communication, carriers should develop opportunities for the groups to interact.  

“Carriers can improve retention by fostering positive communications between younger drivers that have recently completed an apprenticeship and younger drivers that have been on the job for a few years,” ATRI officials wrote in the report. “Younger driver mentors are best suited to respond to younger employees’ unique questions and interests because younger drivers are likely to see them as peers and because they have recently experienced the challenges and rewards of learning to drive a commercial motor vehicle. The opportunity to become a mentor can also be a strong retention incentive for younger drivers because it affirms their skills and instills a sense of fulfillment.”