The Cost of Hiring a Truck Driver: A Comprehensive Guide

Hiring a truck driver is a significant investment for any transportation company. The cost can vary widely depending on several factors, including the driver’s experience, location, and the type of freight being transported. In this article, we’ll delve into the key components that contribute to the overall cost of hiring a truck driver.

Direct Costs:

• Salary and Wages: The most substantial direct cost is the driver’s salary or hourly wage. Factors influencing salary include experience level, type of freight, regional differences in cost of living, and the company’s compensation structure. Experienced drivers with specialized skills, such as hazmat or team driving, often command higher salaries.
• Benefits: Many companies offer competitive benefits packages to attract and retain top talent. These benefits can include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other perks. The cost of benefits can vary significantly depending on the company’s size and the specific benefits offered.
• Taxes and Payroll Costs: Employers are generally responsible for withholding and paying various taxes on behalf of their employees, including federal, state, and local income taxes, Social Security taxes, and Medicare taxes. Additionally, there are payroll administrative costs, such as processing payroll, managing time and attendance, and complying with employment regulations.

Indirect Costs:

• Recruitment and Onboarding: The process of finding, hiring, and training new drivers can be time-consuming and expensive. Costs associated with recruitment include advertising, job postings, screening candidates, and conducting interviews. Onboarding costs involve orientation, training, and providing necessary equipment and documentation.
• Turnover Costs: High driver turnover can have a significant impact on a company’s bottom line. The costs associated with turnover include the cost of replacing the departing driver, lost productivity during the vacancy period, and the potential for damage to equipment or cargo due to inexperienced drivers.
• Training: Ongoing training on hot safety topics. The time spent on Human Resources and Safety can be costly.

Additional Considerations:

One of the most important factors in calculating the cost per hire is the time it takes to fill a vacancy. The longer it takes to find a qualified driver, the more money you’ll spend on advertising, recruiting, and interviewing.

The Domino Effect:

In talking with our customers, most say that their largest pain is an empty truck. You are paying for all the expenses of owning the truck. Truck payments, insurance and licensing, etc. As the old saying goes, “If the wheels are not turning, you are losing money.” Your customers do not care if you are short-staffed. They expect their products on time, every time, so they can service their customers. 

Let’s face it, everything starts with the right people in the right seats.

At Sterling Transportation, we make it easy and have drivers ready to go. From sourcing candidates to interviewing, background checks to DOT compliance, screening to payroll, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call today to get started: 531-375-5668