4 Factors to Consider Before Hiring Part-Time Fleet Drivers

You may be somewhat biased, but as a fleet owner, you know that driving professionally is one of the best jobs to have, seeing as how it’s well paid, stable and its workers are in high demand.

As it turns out, job research and listing companies largely agree.

In a recent report from CareerCast that lists 2015’s best part-time jobs, delivery truck drivers are chief among them. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the report noted that delivery drivers make a median hourly wage of approximately $13.25 per hour, with increased hiring expected in the year ahead.

With workers like these, everyone wins. Defined as those who work 34 hours per week or less, part-timers serve as ideal fill-ins for when your full-time drivers are out due to sickness, vacation or injury. Meanwhile, they also make out well because the extra spending money enables them to increase their freedom, as additional money improves opportunities.

But there are a few factors that you should consider before hiring part-time fleet drivers. The following tips will help you determine which hire to go with.

Consider their experience level
Because they’re working part-time, there’s a good chance that drivers may not have the kind of expertise as those who are looking for 40 hours per week. Depending on how quickly you want your drivers to learn the ropes, take their experience level into consideration during interviews and resume reviews.

Determine availability
Part-time workers often fill a key role within a fleet company – or any other profession, for that matter – by increasing help when services are in high demand and being a substitute when full-time workers are off. If your prospective hire isn’t flexible, then they may not be the driver for your business. Be sure to inquire about whether they’d be willing to be on-call.

Question driving record
Perhaps nothing is more important than a driver who is safe. A history of moving violations – such as speeding, running stop lights, driving under the influence or license suspension – should serve as red flags and may require further inquiry.

Learn what their intentions are
Some workers will come to a part-time job wanting nothing more than that. But others are hoping that the job status will lead to bigger and better things, such as a full-time position. Pursue a line of questioning that helps you determine what they want to get out of their part-time career in the fleet driving industry.