The industry’s high turnover rate is an opportunity for carriers
What’s in this blog?
- Long-haul trucker has some of the poorest health
- High turnover is more than drivers leaving the fleet
- How telehealth benefit can improve driver retention
- How to adopt telehealth for your fleet at zero cost
Driver turnover rates are staggering in the trucking industry, soaring as high as 91% in recent years according to the American Trucking Association (ATA). Long hours, irregular schedules, and low pay can make for a lifestyle that’s not for the faint of heart–but there’s another major factor that makes driver retention in trucking such a challenge: driver wellness.
We’ll explain how telehealth can address many of the common wellness obstacles in the trucking industry and how virtual services can help reduce driver turnover and boost fleet retention.
Long-haul truckers have some of the poorest health
Being a truck driver is hazardous work.
Rates for chronic conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are markedly elevated among truckers, and the barriers to care that come with the driver lifestyle intensify the health risks.
Since drivers are always on the road, they’re not often in one place long enough to see a doctor. The average wait time for an appointment in the U.S. is 38 days (much higher than the industry benchmark of two weeks) and it can be difficult for a driver to align these far-off appointment dates with their irregular days off.
Long-haul truckers spend a lot of their time in rural areas, where the nearest physician’s office may be dozens of miles away–not convenient to get to during a rest stop. Many truckers also put off care due to the cost.
These barriers to care can mean drivers miss regular wellness checks, leave chronic health conditions untreated, and experience an added layer of stress that further harms their health. The health risks coupled with the demands of the job can drive truckers out of the profession–but that still doesn’t capture the full picture surrounding the industry’s high turnover.
High turnover is more complex than drivers leaving the business
The industry’s high turnover rate is often cited to illustrate how difficult the job is or to explain trucking’s chronic labor shortage. But as the ATA points out, it’s a lot more complex than that.
The turnover rate doesn’t just consider truckers who up and leave the profession because of tough work conditions. It also captures drivers who are hopping from one carrier to another in search of better pay and more attractive benefits, which the ATA says represent a much bigger portion of quits.
“[The turnover rate] captures churn within the industry—not attrition from the industry,” the ATA explains.
A compelling opportunity
The fact that drivers are changing jobs at a much higher rate than they’re exiting the industry represents a compelling opportunity for employers. It’s a chance to keep drivers in the fleet.
It means that by focusing on driver retention through initiatives like stronger benefits, companies can reduce driver turnover, bring down costs, and improve both employee wellness and morale.
How telehealth benefits can improve driver retention
We’ve covered a number of the challenges truckers face, like long hours and far-flung destinations, and how they contribute to increased turnover. Telehealth can address these challenges and empower drivers and fleets to overcome them in some key ways.
| Challenge | Traditional Care | Telehealth Solution |
| Appointment wait times | 38+ days | On-demand, flexible scheduling |
| Location barriers | Must visit clinic | Access from anywhere |
| Cost | Typically higher, more downtime | Lower, less time off needed |
| Chronic condition care | Infrequent, delayed | Ongoing, proactive management |
Flexible appointments
One of the most valuable benefits of telehealth for truck drivers is the ability to schedule appointments around their routes. Traditional doctor visits often involve taking time off work or waiting until a driver has hometime (which they likely don’t want to spend sitting in a clinic).
With telemedicine, drivers can connect with a physician on their own schedule, whether it’s during an overnight stop, rest break, or even parked along the interstate.
No geography barriers
Telehealth enables drivers to see a doctor from anywhere. As long as they have a phone or tablet and an internet connection, a trucker can consult with a primary care provider, specialist, or mental health professional regardless of where they are.
Affordable and lower cost
From an employer’s standpoint, offering telehealth services is a cost-effective way to support driver wellness while controlling expenses. Compared to traditional in-person care–especially costly hospital visits–telehealth services are often more affordable and can reduce driver downtime from sick days and untreated health problems.
Minimizing the incidence of chronic health conditions like hypertension and obesity also brings down long-term healthcare costs and claims.
Improves driver wellness
Telehealth gives drivers simple, practical tools to stay healthy. From regular check-ups and prescription management to specialized support for weight loss, tobacco cessation, sleep issues and mental health, all can be accessed with minimal effort.
Drivers are more likely to feel valued when their employer demonstrates support for their well-being.
Boosts retention
The convenience and effectiveness of telehealth programs combined with the sense of support it gives drivers can contribute to increased job satisfaction and morale. This, in turn, helps fleets retain workers and reduces turnover.
How to adopt telehealth for your fleet at zero cost
Telehealth solutions are a smart retention strategy for modern fleets.
Agile Telehealth offers flexible, on-demand access to a range of health providers and services, empowering truck drivers to manage their health from anywhere. With our convenient offerings, truckers can select the programs that meet their needs and use them when it fits their schedule.
Given that 93% of employees value well-being as much as salary, virtual wellness offerings from Agile Telehealth can help trucking employers stay competitive and prevent the fleet-hopping that drives up turnover.
