Your Oct. 29 Pre-Trip: Survey reveals top reasons drivers stay loyal

Here are five things worth knowing today:

1. Independence and respect are among the top factors that keep drivers loyal to their fleets, according to the results of an EpicVue survey indicating the top reasons drivers chose to stay with fleets. EpicVue looked at longevity, as well as driver satisfaction by asking drivers how much they trust the company, whether they feel the company cares about their opinions, whether they feel the company communicates honestly, and if they would refer a friend to the company. EpicVue noted it also spent time at truck stops interviewing 270 over-the-road drivers to find out what leads to loyalty. “The findings indicate that independence (26%) is what drivers enjoy most about their job,” said Lance Platt, CEO. “In addition, the best aspect of a fleet for the drivers surveyed is a company they view as respectful, friendly, understanding and kind (37%). In terms of practices that create loyalty, one third cited companies that listen to suggestions, followed by incentives and benefits (25%).”

2. Idaho is mandating electronic logbooks for interstate truckers, forcing drivers to switch from paper to digital travel logs, the Idaho Statesman reports. According to the report, the move is a Department of Transportation effort to reduce trucking accidents, including those caused by fatigued drivers. The rule is expected to simplify the monitoring of time truck drivers spend on the road and make it harder for drivers to misrepresent their time on logbooks. Analysts predict that the change would prevent 20 fatalities and 434 injuries each year, according to the report.

3. In Today’s Top Supply Chain and Logistics News from The Wall Street Journal, trucking companies may start seeing the competition for drivers on their bottom lines. According to the report, Saia Inc. reported a sharp drop in third-quarter profits that came with a diminishing demand and higher cost for drivers. Also, the report states that a weak demand and plentiful supply are causing trucking prices to head downhill. WSJ has more.

4. Libertate Insurance and InTouchGPS announced the creation of the first property and casualty insurance general agency to leverage GPS Fleet Management technology in the management of its clients' insurance programs.  FleetPilot Insurance is based on the concept that GPS Fleet Management can directly impact losses in the areas of workers' compensation, automobile and motor truck liability. Variables such as speed, braking and weather play factors in how to better understand the reduction of on the road accidents that directly impacts every business owner's insurance costs, according to the companies.

5. According to Greensboro.com, a Coca-Cola truck was stuck under the railroad pass on the 400-block of East Market Street near Murrow Boulevard this morning. Only one lane of the 400-block of East Market Street is open, according to the report.

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