Hiring and retaining charter bus drivers has become more much of a challenge for charter bus operators in recent years. Following COVID, high turnover rates and a competitive job market have made it difficult to find and keep skilled and reliable employees, let alone certified charter bus drivers. In fact, things have gotten so bad, lack of drivers is the top reason holding many operators from meeting demand. 

However, there are lots of things you can do to improve your company’s ability to find, attract, and retain drivers. In this article we will go over some best practices that you can employ for a full and satisfied roster of drivers. We start with the most pressing question – where are all the drivers?   

Where can I find charter bus drivers to hire?

The lack of drivers could be attributed mostly to a reduction in the total available pool. Many drivers either have either retired or transitioned into other sectors, resulting in a one-time drop that has severely impacted our industry. These factors are not in your control.

What is in your control, however, is what you to find the drivers that are still out there. And just as importantly, how do you make it easier for them to find you? There are several ways you can find qualified charter bus drivers for your charter bus company.

Traditional hiring channels 

  • Job boards: Post job listings on websites that specialize in transportation and logistics jobs, such as TruckJobs or CareerBuilder. You can also search for resumes and profiles on these websites to find potential candidates.
  • Social media: Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to post job listings and reach out to potential candidates. You can also use social media to follow industry leaders and professionals and get a sense of the job market.
  • Employee referrals: Ask your current employees and drivers to refer friends or colleagues who may be interested in working as charter bus drivers. Employee referrals can be a great way to find qualified candidates.
  • Employment agencies: Work with employment agencies that specialize in transportation staffing. These agencies can help you find qualified candidates and handle the hiring process for you.

Charter bus-specific hiring channels 

  • Professional associations: Join professional associations in the charter bus industry, such as the United Motorcoach Association or American Bus Association. These organizations often have job boards or job listings and may be able to help you find qualified candidates.
  • Local schools and community colleges: Many schools and community colleges offer programs in transportation or logistics, and some may have job placement services or job boards. Consider reaching out to these schools to find potential candidates.
  • Professional driver training programs: Look for professional driver training programs in your area that offer certification in charter bus driving. These programs can provide you with a pool of qualified candidates who have the necessary skills and training.

Think outside the box

Tough times call for creativity. If you want to stand out from the competition and gain a competitive edge, spend some time thinking about other potential pools of drivers. Here are some suggestions:

  • The military: The military employs thousands of heavy vehicles drivers that could qualify as charter bus drivers without having to get their CDL from scratch. Try to build a network of military officers in charge of such duties, who would be looking to refer their soldiers upon retirement.
  • Consider sponsoring drivers: becoming a charter bus driver requires some effort. You can increase your chances of finding drivers by thinking creatively and potentially aiding in the process of them obtaining their CDL. You can do so monetarily or logistically, but removing friction in the driver qualification process could help your company stand out.

Attracting and retaining charter bus drivers

By following certain best practices, you can improve your chances of attracting and retaining top talent in this field.

Offer competitive pay and benefits

One key factor in attracting and retaining charter bus drivers is offering competitive pay and benefits packages. This includes not only the base salary, but also incentives, such as safe driving bonuses or bonuses for referring new drivers. Other benefits that may be attractive to drivers include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Prioritize safety

Safety should be a top priority for any charter bus operator, and this is especially true when it comes to charter bus drivers. Drivers who feel confident in their training and the safety measures in place are more likely to stay with a company long-term. Consider providing ongoing training and support to ensure that your drivers have the knowledge and resources they need to operate safely.

Foster a positive work culture

A positive work culture can go a long way in retaining charter bus drivers. This includes providing a supportive and respectful work environment, as well as opportunities for growth and development. Consider implementing regular check-ins with drivers to see how they are doing and address any concerns they may have. You might also consider offering additional perks, such as access to a gym or on-site meals.

Provide opportunities for advancement

Charter bus drivers who feel like they have opportunities for advancement within your company are more likely to stay with your team long-term. Consider offering promotions or additional training opportunities to drivers who show an interest in taking on more responsibilities or learning new skills.

Use technology to streamline operations

Using technology to streamline operations can make the job of a charter bus driver more efficient and enjoyable. For example, you might consider a solution like Busify, which offers a driver app. Such an app brings clarity and convenience to drivers by putting their entire schedules in their pocket. You can also take advantage of GPS tracking to help drivers stay on schedule and find the best routes. You might also consider using a dispatch system to manage assignments and communicate with drivers.

Offer a flexible schedule

For many charter bus drivers, the ability to have a flexible schedule is important. Consider offering part-time or flexible scheduling options to accommodate the needs of your drivers. This might include the ability to choose their own routes or to have some control over their schedules.

Look for the right fit

When hiring new charter bus drivers, it’s important to look for individuals who are a good fit for your company culture. Consider their previous experience, as well as their personality and work ethic. Drivers who are a good fit for your company are more likely to stay with your team long-term.

In conclusion, hiring and retaining charter bus drivers is no easy process, and requires a coordinated effort. Combine competitive pay and benefits, safety, a positive work culture, advancement opportunities, technology, flexible schedule, and focus on the right fit. By following these best practices, you can improve your chances of attracting and retaining top charter bus drivers.