It is so important to make a connection with the driver. We need to screen the driver. We need the straightforward information that will either qualify or disqualify them for the job, and we need to get this information quickly and efficiently. This is true, but be careful! By being robotic and emotionless, you disconnect from your driver! You are not looking at a person on paper; you are talking to a human with needs, interests, and personality. By connecting with your driver right out of the gate, you will make the process more enjoyable and smoother for both of you. They will feel more comfortable giving you personal information and keeping you as their partner in the process. When you make sure to laugh a little, listen a little, and explain a little, you will be sure to get all the accurate information you need AND understand the driver's motivations and hesitations. Make notes. Keep little bits of personal info. "How's your wife doing? Is she feeling better?" "How's it feel to be a grandpa? That baby got you wrapped around her finger yet?" When you do your callback and check-ins, make sure to let them know you remember who they are and what is going on in their lives. Connection. So many times, a recruiter will get all the info they need and send the app in, but when the driver gets to the interview, he walks away because he doesn't feel like his interests are being considered, and oftentimes, helpful information has been missed by just answering the questions on the screening page. Have a conversation. Hear his concerns and goals. Connect. You'll be able to place him with a company more accurately, and when he's ready to move again in the future, he'll come to you.

When speaking with a driver, I highlight why working with ME a Third Party, is so valuable to them, as a driver. This makes the drivers value me and return more calls to the companies and me, especially when they know: - that I do not send their applications everywhere, only to the places that the driver feels is a good fit.  - If there isn't anything, then I will call back when there is or have them call in every few weeks.  - I do let them know that we work with and that I am an agent for many companies and not just one or two, so I have access to many jobs and runs not publicly available. Not just for one or two companies. Therefore, we can shoot them straight and do not have to lie for a hire. - We can shop jobs with the driver without the other companies knowing. This ensures that we are getting the best available job in that driver's area that matches his qualifications and needs. No wasted time on jobs that do not!  - These things build trust and let the driver know that you are there to work for them and not the carriers so much. They like this. Especially knowing that you are not blasting their info to jobs they do not want or qualify for.  Make them feel like you are their concierge service for all things jobs!

Drivers love Heartland Express, so this is excellent news! https://www.truckingdive.com/news/CFI-rebrand-heartland-express/807536/

From the Driver's Seat to the Recruiter's Desk – Episode 5: A Driver's Work History: What it Means for You & How I Approach It https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-drivers-seat-recruiters-desk-episode-5-work-history-chris-smith-kdp8c/

The person who responds fastest usually wins. Not perfect responses, just quick ones. Speed signals priority, and priority builds trust. While others crafted the perfect email, I closed the deal. Not the smartest reply. Not the most polished email. Just the quickest one. The best in this field can tell you this: Speed signals priority. Priority builds trust. Trust closes deals. That's the whole game. While someone's wordsmithing the perfect response, the fast responder already has the relationship. People don't remember what you said. They remember that you showed up—quickly—when it mattered. Perfectionism feels like professionalism. It's actually just slow. Good and fast beats perfect and late. Every time.