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HIRING • Oct 14, 2024

Tough Onboarding Matters More Than Ever

2 minutes read

In an industry struggling with a driver shortage, it might seem logical to loosen hiring standards to fill seats quickly. However, compromising on onboarding can lead to costly and catastrophic consequences, from nuclear verdicts to insurance rate hikes and operational failures. Here’s why tough onboarding is more critical now than ever:


1. Don’t Hire Your Problems

  • Cutting corners by onboarding poorly screened or unqualified drivers may offer temporary relief but often results in long-term issues.
  • Compliance risks, breakdowns, and poor performance follow when inadequate drivers are allowed into the system.
  • Recent Example: Triton Logistics manipulated ELD logs by using fake driver accounts to avoid HOS violations, leading to a fatal crash on I-64. Such unethical practices arise when businesses become desperate to maintain operations.

2. The Cost of Desperation

  • Some states have lowered driver qualifications to address the shortage, creating a pool of drivers with higher risk profiles.
  • Carriers that take the bait without improving risk management systems open themselves up to significant losses.
  • Insurance premiums are climbing due to increased risks. Poor safety records or claims histories force carriers to pay more to stay insured or risk being denied coverage entirely.

3. Mitigating Risk is a Must

  • Avoid nuclear verdicts: Legal payouts from accidents involving poorly trained or fatigued drivers can bankrupt companies. The key to avoiding these claims is proper vetting and consistent safety practices.
  • Reward programs for safe drivers and public feedback systems like “How am I driving?” can encourage better behavior on the road, lowering risk exposure.

4. Faster, Safer Onboarding is Possible

  • At Drive Solutions, we’ve reduced onboarding time by 35%, allowing safety specialists to:
    • Conduct test drives to assess driver skill.
    • Provide educational programs to reduce road risks.
    • Implement testable policies that improve compliance and safety performance.

Conclusion: Turn the Page—Don’t Drop the Ball


In today’s high-pressure market, onboarding and risk management are non-negotiable. Carriers that prioritize quality over quantity in hiring will see fewer accidents, lower insurance rates, and avoid the spiral of poor management that can lead to financial collapse. Tight onboarding isn’t just a solution—it’s a survival strategy.