The Carrot Always Wins Over the Stick!

The Carrot Always Wins Over the Stick!

Many motor carriers are putting incentive programs in place to retain their workforce as well as to reduce their CSA scores. Like many other forms of investment, these incentive programs can pay off in terms far greater than many might expect. This is especially true with a CSA-focused incentive program, where both the carrier and the driver can greatly benefit from a clean roadside inspection report.

One example of an incentive program is where the motor carrier establishes an account for each driver. The carrier deposits 500 points, each point worth $1.00, in the driver's account. Whenever the driver encounters a roadside inspection that results in a clean inspection, the driver earns an additional 100 points. If violations are recorded from a roadside inspection, the driver loses points from his/her account at a fair but equally determined amount. An out-of-service violation would result in a greater loss of points and an even lower account balance.

Whenever a violation is noted on a roadside inspection report, the driver should be instructed on ways to avoid this violation in the future. Often, this is accomplished through additional training and testing of the driver's skills or knowledge. When the driver completes the training, the carrier can deposit 25 points back into the driver’s account. If the driver passes the test assigned with the training, an additional 25 points is deposited.

At the end of a specified period of time, the driver is awarded the balance of his/her account and a new account is established once again with a 500-point balance.

This type of incentive program keeps safety and compliance in the forefront for all to see. The incentive allows the driver to have significant influence on the amount of bonus he/she will receive. A similar incentive program can be designed for technicians, mechanics, dispatchers, etc., all of whom have an impact on a motor carrier's CSA scores.

Ultimately, it is the motor carrier who benefits the most from this program. Along with CSA scores being driven down by engaged employees, the driver retention program will realize a boost due to this effort.

Behavioral change is the key component of this exercise. Retention of the driver workforce becomes the byproduct of both the driver and the carrier's commitment to each other.? Rather than punishment for negative results, the carrier works with its employees to improve their work habits and then rewards them for assisting the carrier in reaching overall success. The carrot always wins over the stick!