A number of experts agree that the U.S. trucking industry has struggled with a driver shortage for the past several years, and it doesn’t appear to have an end in sight. According to the American Trucking Associations, the industry is currently experiencing a shortage of approximately 80,000 drivers, with the potential for that number to increase to as much as 160,000 by 2031. However, according to the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, the problem is less about having a shortage of drivers and more about issues with driver retention due to poor working conditions and low pay.
Regardless of one’s stance on the driver shortage versus retention debate — and particularly as experienced drivers continue to retire or leave the workforce while the demand for freight transportation increases — the obligation is on carriers to ensure that their drivers are happy in order to meet increased demand and maintain operational efficiency.
In an effort to improve the driver experience while increasing sustainability, Range Energy has introduced its hybrid eTrailer System — an innovation that is helping carriers to lower their carbon emissions through electric propulsion assistance, which also enhances the driver experience for better retention rates.
The Driver Retention Challenge: Why Fleets Struggle to Keep Drivers
Driver retention rates have steadily declined over the past several years for a number of reasons. The job itself can be physically taxing, causing physical fatigue when hauling heavy loads. For long-haul drivers, pay and insufficient time at home are also common reasons why they switch companies or leave the industry altogether.
However, outdated technology and equipment are also underlying reasons behind many drivers’ dissatisfaction. Old equipment leads to safety concerns when it comes to braking, handling, and trailer stability, and subpar technology creates inefficiencies that lead to frustrations around lost time on the road. With tight timelines and increasing pressure to meet delivery schedules, insufficient equipment and technology create added stress for drivers that directly impacts their job satisfaction.
Fleets can help to alleviate these issues by ensuring that systems and equipment are up to date by providing streamlined technology and applications that make it easy for drivers to reduce downtime and stay on the road. Creating a more positive experience — both in terms of physical demands and the ease of using mandatory systems — can play a key role in improving driver satisfaction.
How Trailer Innovation Improves the Driver Experience
Range Energy’s eTrailer System is an innovative solution that immediately improves the driver experience by enhancing safety, comfort, and overall efficiency. Some key benefits of the eTrailer for drivers include:
Power: Smoother Driving with Enhanced Acceleration
Range Energy’s hybrid eTrailer System operates using electric propulsion assistance, reducing the amount of power and fuel required for the tractor to accelerate. This also makes it easier for the driver to achieve and maintain speed, especially when traveling uphill or in congested areas. For drivers, this translates into easier maneuvering and reduced stress when navigating high-traffic areas and inclines, in addition to reduced strain on the tractor. As a result, drivers are able to enjoy a much smoother and more controlled driving experience, and fleets benefit from greater efficiency and lower fuel costs.
Safety: Improved Braking for Greater Control
Safety is a key area of concern for drivers, particularly when it comes to stopping efficiently while hauling heavy loads. Thanks to advanced regenerative braking, the Range eTrailer System provides greater control by reducing the distance required to stop and giving more power to the driver. As a result, drivers are able to have more confidence when needing to make sudden stops, in addition to gaining greater stability, especially on steep terrain or in inclement weather. The regenerative braking capabilities also reduce wear and tear on the tractor brakes, leading to fewer concerns around maintenance.
Experience: Significant Improvement to Driver Satisfaction
Because the Range eTrailer System gives more control to the driver through additional power and enhanced braking, the overall driving experience becomes more positive. Drivers have reported less mental and physical fatigue and greater confidence while being able to enjoy a smoother and more stable ride. Because the eTrailer creates much more efficient braking and acceleration, the driving experience is also much more intuitive and has fewer disruptions. All of these factors lead to a safer, more comfortable working environment, which enhances overall driver satisfaction.
Enhancing the Driver Experience While Achieving Greater Sustainability: A Win-Win for Fleets
As fleets are faced with concerns around both driver retention and the call for greater sustainability, one solution stands apart from the rest. The Range eTrailer System helps fleets meet both goals — improving the driver experience for better retention and lowering greenhouse gas emissions to help meet state and federal regulations — all without any updates required to existing infrastructure.
Designed to be utilized with any existing dry van or refrigerated trailer, the Range eTrailer System can be bolted onto a fleet’s current equipment within a few hours using common tools, leading to instant improvements in both fuel efficiency (50-70%) and driver satisfaction without needing to overhaul their operations or invest in expensive new equipment.
To learn more about how Range Energy’s eTrailer System can help your fleet improve efficiency and driver satisfaction, complete our Pilot interest form to have a member of our team contact you to schedule a demo.