When you operate a trucking company, diversity is important when you’re hiring new drivers. Whether you handle recruitment internally or use transport hiring services, securing talent from a wide range of backgrounds is usually beneficial, particularly if you’re battling against driver shortages. 

However, many companies don’t know which steps they should take to reach their goals. If you want to hire a more diverse fleet of CDL drivers, here are some tips that can help. 

Broaden Your Recruitment Efforts

If you use the same methods for locating new drivers that you always have, you likely won’t achieve your diversity goals. Tapping into different demographics usually makes embracing a range of approaches a necessity. After all, not all potential candidates frequent the same resources when looking for jobs and, if you aren’t where they are, you’ll miss out. 

Along with traditional job boards and your company career page, expand into new territory. Social media can be an excellent option, as well as classifieds in local newspapers. Signage on your trucks is a classic approach, though you may also want to connect with local truck driving schools, particularly if you’re open to entry-level truck drivers. 

If you want to create a long-term candidate pool, you can also reach out to area high schools. By attending career days and similar events, you can introduce the next group to join your city’s workforce to your company and the field of truck driving. This may help you capture the attention of young adults who didn’t know that getting a CDL could lead to a great career. 

Write Your Job Ads in Multiple Languages

One option that can be surprisingly effective is to write your job ads in multiple languages. If your area has a substantial Spanish-speaking population, consider updating your posting to feature the same information in Spanish. 

While it is true that many websites offer automated translations for everything on a page, the results aren’t always ideal. These systems aren’t perfect, so they could mistranslate what you shared. But by doing your own translation, you can ensure accuracy. 

Request Referrals from Your Current Drivers

If you want to increase diversity, requesting referrals from employees with varying backgrounds can help. This lets you tap into their networks, potentially making it simpler to reach communities that you’re struggling to connect with otherwise. 

Plus, this shows your existing workforce that you value diversity. That can boost your employer brand, making it more likely that candidates who appreciate inclusive cultures will seek out positions with your transportation company. 

Work with Bilingual Recruiters

Having a bilingual recruiter on your side can make a significant difference. Not only will it make more candidates feel welcome, but it will also streamline the hiring process. Candidates can communicate with the recruiter in their preferred language, decreasing the odds of misunderstandings and ensuring information flows freely. 

Ultimately, all of the tips above can help you increase diversity in your fleet. If you’d like to learn more about inclusive hiring practices, the staff at PTS® can help. Contact us today.