In the transportation industry the topics of training and standards are discussed often. Although mentorship is mentioned in a vague way, the thought of teaming mentors with new drivers is still something that may be in the distance. This could be from the lack of certification or return on investment tracking available from a mentor. Large companies have formal training programs and smaller companies regard mentorship more as a friendship than a documentable training partnership. So what is the value of a mentor?

Mentorship can be the most valuable tool a company has and they may not even realize it. The cost of mentorship is almost free as the relationship is usually formed as a friendship organically. If the mentor relationship is with someone regarded as a top professional driver in the company it can be free company training.  For a small company, having a driver willing to mentor people can be very helpful. Most small companies require two years’ experience for new drivers, but we all know how hard it is to find new drivers. If a person applies to a company with all the right qualities such as good attitude and professional demeanour, it may be worth hiring them and having them work with a mentor.

The best mentorships start more like friendships. When I learned to drive during the seventies and eighties there were no formal driving schools or training the way there is today. I had my “D” licence at the time and had started with a new moving company. I became friends with another driver who was the tractor trailer driver. He taught me to drive at the company and we formed a friendship. We went on to become business partners and although I haven’t seen him in years I still remember many of the tips he taught me and I like to relate those to other new drivers.

If you have someone on your team that seems to be the type to be very helpful to other new drivers joining the fleet and has a demeanour that naturally draws people to them, then that person may make a great mentor.  You can formalize the program if the person is good or you can let the relationships happen on their own. Once a relationship has been formed it is important for the company to support it so the training mechanism can be set in place. To do this, encourage the new person to ask the mentor the questions they need answered. Mentorship isn’t for everyone, but if it happens honestly it can be the greatest training ground for a company.  I am sure we have all had mentors as we came through life, so I ask you; who was your mentor?

About the Author

Bruce Outridge has been in the transportation industry for over 30 years and is author of the books Driven to Drive and Running by the Mile. Challenger Motor Freight Inc. is one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies (platinum member) and is looking for quality team members. To learn more about opportunities with Challenger visit their website at www.challenger.com