National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is when America takes the time to honor all professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment in tackling one of our economy’s most demanding and important jobs. These 3.1 million professional men and women not only deliver our goods safely, securely and on time, they also keep our highways safe. Make plans now to do something special for the drivers that work for you!
Driver Recognition Awards
Driver Appreciation week is a good time to review your award and recognition programs that you have in place. It is important that we recognize those drivers who have performed in a safe and compliant manner. Recognition awards are best used for safe driving. A recognition award should be an award that the driver or employee cannot get anywhere else. It is best if these awards are personalized. Benefits of recognition award are that they are non-monetary and have a longer lasting effect. A driver should not be able to go and buy this award on their own. The only way to receive the award and recognition is to meet the requirements for receiving the award. These awards can be further enhanced by presenting award group presentations with peers (i.e. meetings, banquets, etc.).
As a motor carrier, there are a number of state and nationwide association award programs that you can enroll your drivers in. I would recommend that you contact your state trucking association for a listing of the awards programs that are available. There are a variety of awards programs available for your drivers through organizations such as the American Trucking Association (www.truckline.com) and the National Private Truck Council (NPTC). The NPTC has the Driver Hall of Fame and National Driver All-Stars driver’s awards programs that are available to NPTC members. Click here to enroll your driver.
Incentive monetary awards are best used to motivate a driver to perform. These types of incentive programs are successful in motivating the driver to achieve a specific goal such a certain fuel mileage or clean roadside inspection.
Originally Posted on the Idealease Safety Seminar