Heavy equipment driving and operations are not like driving a normal car on the road. It needs special skills, training, certifications, licenses, and permissions as well. These mandatory things are worth applying to the equipment driver as any kind of minor accident can cause serious injuries. However, finding a skilled and trained equipment operator is as hard as it could be for a construction manager or a fleet owner. Once they find a potential resource, they demand a high salary and move on when got better options. 

In this case, how can you keep your skilled driver reserved and occupied for you? You must be puzzling about it.
Here, in this article, you may find the answer about how can you keep your equipment driver occupied. You can follow the simple steps to make them feel valued.

  • Ensure safety initiatives

We know that every piece of equipment is unique in its way and require proper skill to operate it. It is not necessary that a driver of a used wheel excavator can easily operate a crane as well. He must be mindful enough about all the ins and outs of the equipment he is going to drive. Moreover, you need to take care of a driver’s safety as well so that may feel safe working with you. 

For this purpose, the fleet owner needs to make sure that all the safety initiatives are followed on the site. For example, before handing over the equipment to a driver, make sure he has prior experience driving it. Also, check his license and certifications. If possible, take a minor physical handling test so that you may assume how he takes care of and operate the equipment. 

Furthermore, after giving the command to the driver, make sure to implement all the safety precautions on the site regardless of the experience of the driver. Provide all the necessities to a driver that he needs to safely operate or drive your equipment. If he is taking a long route then make sure to take care of the driver along with the equipment or truck as well. Being a fleet owner, you must check and balance the safety measures at all costs. 

  • Motivate and encourage your driver

It is not an exaggeration if we quote that the driving job is not easy as it looks. The drivers pay their full time and dedication to perform their job. So, it would be unfair if you do not appreciate them. Everyone needs words of kindness and appreciation and so does the driver. As a fleet owner, you should not miss the chance to praise your crew member. It will keep their morale up and they will be more dedicated to their job. This is also a way to keep your drivers reserved for your fleet. The comfort and kindness you provide to them will be back in the shape of their loyalty and services.

Further, if you find any odd activity and negligence in their job, do not encounter them before other team members. Mention their mistakes in one-to-one meetings and politely warn them to not repeat the same mistakes. 

  • Adopt technology

In today’s world, performing manual tasks seems an old-school method and thought even in equipment driving jobs. The old-school method will never fascinate the new and young resources in your fleet. It is mandatory to adopt the latest trends and techs in your company as it will not leave any mark to detract the drivers. The techs make the driver’s life easier and safer by providing them with more hands to work with and eyes to look with. For example, installing a back view camera in a used wheel excavator can make the driver able to look at the back of the equipment. Digitalization and technologies will never go vent so it is always safe to adopt the trend and make your team’s life easier. 

Final thoughts

All heavy equipment operators and drivers need some potential skills to drive the equipment safely. However, finding and keeping a trained and skilled driver is not an easy task. A fleet owner needs to make sure of a few things to keep the drivers reserved with them. In this article, you may find simple yet useful hacks to follow if you want to keep your drivers engaged with you.