6 Qualities Driver Recruitment Agencies Look for in Candidates

Truck drivers are in high demand in Canada right now. From long-haul truckers to last-mile delivery drivers, qualified drivers are some of the most sought-after people for companies right now. But what exactly do companies look for when hiring new drivers? As one of Toronto’s top driver recruitment agencies, here are a few qualities our hiring experts look for.

 

Reliable

Reliability is one of the top qualities all drivers should have. The majority of goods in Canada are moved by truck, and with people relying on deliveries more than ever due to COVID-19, it’s incredibly important to hire people you can depend on. Companies need to be able to count on drivers to arrive when scheduled, follow their routes, and make their deliveries in a timely and efficient manner.

 

Good Driving Record

It goes without saying that drivers need to have a clean driving record. This is one of the first things any driver recruitment agency will look at. Companies want to ensure they’re hiring safe and responsible drivers. In addition to a clean record, drivers should have all of their updated licenses and will probably have to pass a drug test.

 

Communication

Communication is critical in the transportation industry. No matter what type of driver you are, you’ll have to be able to effectively talk with shippers, carriers, dispatchers, clients, and more. Companies want to know that drivers can effectively communicate if an issue arises. Good communication also makes it easier for managers and co-workers to work together.

 

Alert

There is a reason commercial drivers have to undergo extra training and certification compared to normal drivers. Commercial vehicles like trucks are typically much heavier and larger than normal vehicles and can cause much more damage. Drivers must always be alert and responsive to driving conditions on the road. People that easily get distracted when driving don’t make for good hires.

 

Truck Mechanics

Drivers don’t have to be full-blown mechanics, but all drivers should know the basics of truck operations and maintenance. This means being able to perform basic emergency repairs such as changing a tire. Driver recruitment agencies also look for candidates that know how to read all the gauges, dials, and other indicators of a functioning vehicle.

 

Experience

Experience is one of the top things any driver recruitment agency will look at. While having a ton of experience isn’t necessary to land the job, it certainly does help. Experienced commercial drivers know the business and are usually better at handling any issues that arise and the stress of the job.

 

Looking to hire qualified drivers? Contact Nova Staffing today! We’re one of the top driver employment agencies in the GTA and have a team of staffing experts ready to help.