Being able to separate the so-so truck driver candidates from the great ones is a must. Otherwise, you may end up with a new hire that doesn’t meet your expectations or fails to impress.  

While examining a truck driver’s work history and licensing is an excellent first step, you also need to go further. By looking for some key traits, you increase your odds of finding an exceptional candidate. If you aren’t sure which ones should be your focus, here are a few characteristics that most great truck drivers share.  

Reliable  

In the transportation industry, being able to rely on your employees is a must. A great truck driver understands that others depend on them, so they prioritize being on time, meeting deadlines, and otherwise exceeding expectations. They are consistent and exhibit the utmost accountability, ensuring that others can count on them to live up to their end of the bargain.  

Safety-Oriented  

All truck drivers should make safety a priority. After all, they are operating a much larger vehicle than almost everything else on the road. Additionally, there are hazards during loading and unloading, and truckers need to know any steps that can minimize risk for themselves and everyone else in the area.  

Along with a great safety record, look for truck drivers with a safety-first mindset. That way, you know they’ll adhere to every rule at all times, always prioritizing safety above everything else.  

Patient  

When you’re hiring a truck driver, there’s no room for road rage. The ability to stay calm even when road conditions, accidents, or inconsiderate drivers make things more difficult is essential. Usually, that means having enough patience to ensure that stress from an unexpected issue doesn’t lead to an incident.  

Mechanically-Savvy  

Amazing truckers don’t just know how to drive the vehicles; they also understand quite a bit about how a truck works. They can troubleshoot issues effectively and even handle some basic repairs, like changing out blown fuses or replacing lightbulbs when they go out. As a result, they can keep their own rigs in compliance with all highway safety standards in many cases.  

Self-Reliant  

Truck drivers spend most of their time working independently and physically separated from most other company employees. As a result, they can’t simply turn to a colleague when they have an issue. Instead, they need to be self-reliant, ensuring they can navigate issues independently more often than not.  

Situational-Awareness  

Since trucks are the largest vehicles on the road, they need to be highly aware of their surroundings and overall conditions. Situational-awareness ensures they can take in information with ease, track a variety of moving objects, and take quick action when necessary to avoid issues.  

Additionally, they need to remain vigilant to other changes in their surroundings. For example, this can include odd noises or smells that could indicate a problem with their vehicle.  

Finally, they need to exhibit situation-awareness when it comes to their own ability to function. Drivers need to be adept at spotting signs of their own building fatigue, ensuring they can appropriately address tiredness before they become a hazard.  

Ultimately, all of the traits above are highly desirable for truck drivers. If you are looking for exceptional truckers who can bring all of that to the table and more, the team at PTS® can help. Contact us today and see how our services can make finding great candidates for your open truck driving routes in California a breeze.