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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 17 O C T O B E R 2 9 , 2 0 1 8 F O C U S T R A N S P O R TAT I O N / I N F R A S T R U C T U R E Expanding the labor pool To combat the driver shortage, the industry is expanding training pro- grams. It's doing presentations at high schools. It's also recruiting veterans, women, immigrants and people seek- ing a second career. Pottle, the newly elected chairman of the American Trucking Associations, says national initiatives include promot- ing the profession, expanded training and apprenticeship programs through community colleges, high schools and agencies like Job Corps, outreach to veterans and U.S. Department of Labor resources. e trade group is also work- ing with Maine's congressional delega- tion on federal issues like modifying the age barrier for interstate commerce. Other industries are reaching out to driver training programs. At Tri- County, Weyerhaeuser, the timberlands and wood products company, contacted Kimball about setting up a module in log truck driving and loading. Expected to begin this year, the module could lead to summer driving internships or apprenticeships. Shifting into a second career Hartt's initiatives include working with Eastern Maine Community College to develop training programs; setting up apprenticeships for promising gradu- ates; and reaching out to law enforce- ment, firefighter and military retirees considering a second career. A recent recruit is a former Bath Iron Works manager who wanted to change career, trained in truck driving and contacted Castonguay, who tailored an appren- ticeship for him. "He's turning into one of our best truck drivers — extremely safe and reliable, shows up on time, always has suggestions on how to handle things," he says. Hartt also implemented a retention program that focuses on open com- munication on a schedule to get input on concerns employees might have, then correct the situation if possible. Programs also include holiday and driver appreciation parties. "We shake their hands, hear what they have to say and let them know they can talk with any one of our manage- ment team," he says. "e biggest thing is, we want them to know how impor- tant they are to our company." In a high-turnover market — 94% nationally as large carriers compete for drivers, according to the American Trucking Associations — Hartt's 32% turnover in 2017 indicates the pro- grams are working, although there's more to be done, he says. Pay increases and incentives have helped recruitment and retention at Pottle's and Chamberland: Pottle's implemented a 9% pay increase this year and a 2-cents-per-mile incentive. In the past 18 months, Chamberland instituted a 25% wage increase. Slim margins Higher wages contribute to increased costs. So do equipment improvements — like emission controls and lighter trailers and electronics, like logging devices to monitor driver hours. Hartt has incurred increases every year for the past five to six years, says Castonguay. Equipment is up 5% to 10% in the last two years. Wages are up, the past year, as much as 10%. Impact on the bottom line? "In trucking, we operate on slim margins," Castonguay says. "e impact on customers is tremendous. Eventually, we'll see that in the price of the products we buy." Overall, says Castonguay, there has to be a way to get students interested in trade jobs. at starts with educating the educators about the value of trade schools, as they talk with students who are pondering careers, he says. "Lots of kids don't want to go to college or can't afford to," he says. "Trade schools are an excellent means to have good jobs that pay competitive wages, with excellent benefits and job security. Hopefully we can convince our young that they do not have to leave the state of Maine and they can stake their roots here in Maine with promising careers in trucking, whether it is becoming a professional driver or becoming a professional mechanic. Trucking is not going away. Most everything you touch has been moved by a truck. We need to have drivers and mechanics so we can continue to help the economy expand." Laurie Schreiber, Mainebiz senior writer, can be reached at lschreiber @ mainebiz.biz Ask your contractor about instant 866-376-2463 can reduce energy costs as well as save you downtime, headaches and repair calls. How many boiler repair calls did you make last winter? The driver shortage is the very No. 1 issue in the trucking industry right now, bar none, hands down. — Brian Parke President and CEO of Maine Motor Transport Association

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