4 Methods to Smoothly Handle the Matter of Driver Age

In the trucking industry, the age of your drivers plays an important role in safety and insurance. While each individual driver has their own capabilities reflected in their skill and driving record, truck insurance providers see both very young and very old drivers as a statistically higher risk. Therefore, the ages of the drivers employed by your trucking or logistics company can play an important role in the cost of your insurance.

How can you keep your drivers mainly within the optimal age range without implementing unfair standards or age discrimination in your decision-making? We can suggest a few smooth strategies to handle the matter of driver ages that are beneficial to everyone involved.

The Optimal Age Range for Truck Drivers

The ideal insurable age for truck drivers is between 30 and 62. These are the years when drivers are statistically the most responsible, alert, and capable to operate trucks safely on the road.

Of course, this statistic includes drivers 30+ who have been gaining skills and experience since their 20s and discounts drivers 62+ who are still in peak mental and physical condition. Not everyone fits into the average statistic, but a fleet with mainly very young or very old drivers will see insurance increase no matter what each individual’s performance and capabilities may be.

How can you optimize your truck insurance rate while also making the best use of your skilled driving team and giving everyone a fair chance to do their best? 

Assigning Drivers in Their 20s

Drivers in their 20s may be statistically higher risk, but this is also an essential time for drivers to gain their initial skills and experiences. The higher risk is, to some extent, associated with a natural learning curve as younger drivers learn the ropes and become the stable, reliable drivers they will be in their 30s and older.

Therefore, there are two practical solutions to minimize the cost of having drivers in their 20s while building the talent you will rely on in just a few years.

Mentor Younger Drivers to Older Drivers

First, mentor your new young drivers to older drivers who are inside the optimal age range. Have the primary driver be your older driver while the younger driver is their partner and mentee. Give younger drivers plenty of time and opportunity to operate different routes and types of trucks to build their essential skills while keeping them listed as a secondary driver for any routed vehicle.

Partner Younger Drivers with Older Drivers

You can also assign younger drivers as partners to help with long-haul routes and cargo management. Younger drivers are more energetic and springy. They may have an easier time doing night driving or handling trailer hookups and cargo loading. They will gain valuable experience while providing a supportive partnership for a older primary driver.

Assigning Drivers 60+

What about your venerable drivers over the age of 62? The years of experience and accumulated skill are invaluable. While these drivers are still at peak capability, the practical answer is to keep them on the road. Especially with the shortage of drivers that we face today. However, once driving statistics begin to drop, consider alternate assignments that are respectful promotions and make the most of thsoe valuable skills.

Promote Senior Drivers to Trainers

Senior drivers who no longer have the long-haul stamina or physical strength to handle cargo should be promoted into training positions. Assign your oldest drivers as trainers in your CDL truck driving schools. Have them use those many years of experience helping new truck drivers learn the ropes, earn their CDLs and additional certifications, and provide valuable insights during the training courses.

Assign Senior Drivers to Dispatch

Drivers who are no longer optimal behind the wheel can still make excellent dispatch managers. They understand good routes and how to support your drivers on the road because they have been there. They are likely to advocate for your drivers and give them good advice when they need it most.

Optimizing Truck Driver Age the Right Way

When looking for ways to improve your truck insurance costs, optimizing driver age always comes up. Naturally, you don’t want to deny young drivers the chance to gain skills or waste the hard-earned skills of your venerable drivers. These solutions can help you optimize the age of your fleet truck drivers the right way while making the most of the value of your entire driver staff.

For more commercial trucking insurance insights or to seek out the best insurance policy for your trucking business,contact us today.

David Ott

David Ott