I am an external TM for a small operator, 5 vans, 8 rigid and 3 artics plus 8 trailers. Recently we have had a high turnover of drivers and I would like to stop the exodus. A driver’s day starts from 3 am to 6 am and lasts for between 6 and 12 hours. Their average week is 45 hours and has no more than 5 drops per day. The average take home pay is between £380 and £500 depending on their licence. I know the boss is a bit hot at times but is grand when he cools down and the drivers take him with a pinch of salt. I was thinking of introducing some sort of performance related bonus (I know the rules on illegal bonus) eg £ over a three month period if you don’t take an non scheduled day off, non damage to vehicle or third party/property etc. Any positive comments would be warmly welcomed.
First thing you need to find out is why the drivers are leaving. Money might not be the issue, or the cure.
As already stated, my first port of call would be to ask the drivers who have left, that’s if they will tell you! When you say that the boss is “a bit hot” what does that mean? The days of the boss ranting, raving and even given out the odd slap or two should be long gone. If he is a foul mouthed bully and abusive to his staff then why would anyone want to work for him. A good boss respects his staff and in turn they respect him.
Secondly, I would look at Salaries (can you pay more?) Can you make it the job where locally it becomes THE place where people want to work?. Paid holiday entitlement (increase it, why not?), are the vehicles and kit the drivers are expected to work with modern and up to date. Are they the bare minimum “poverty spec” standard or has the boss made the effort to keep his drivers happy?
It takes a particular type of person who can / wants to start work at 3am, I for one could not do it, especially on a regular basis, so that should be reflected in their pay.
Good luck with your quest but maybe you should consider one thing. If the boss IS THE PROBLEM, do you have the cojones to front him and tell him to his face? 
bullitt:
As already stated, my first port of call would be to ask the drivers who have left, that’s if they will tell you! When you say that the boss is “a bit hot” what does that mean? The days of the boss ranting, raving and even given out the odd slap or two should be long gone. If he is a foul mouthed bully and abusive to his staff then why would anyone want to work for him. A good boss respects his staff and in turn they respect him.
Secondly, I would look at Salaries (can you pay more?) Can you make it the job where locally it becomes THE place where people want to work?. Paid holiday entitlement (increase it, why not?), are the vehicles and kit the drivers are expected to work with modern and up to date. Are they the bare minimum “poverty spec” standard or has the boss made the effort to keep his drivers happy?
It takes a particular type of person who can / wants to start work at 3am, I for one could not do it, especially on a regular basis, so that should be reflected in their pay.
Good luck with your quest but maybe you should consider one thing. If the boss IS THE PROBLEM, do you have the cojones to front him and tell him to his face?
Exit interviews, is what I think they call them these days, but important to do them and take note of what’s said.
Is there somewhere else offering a better deal and drivers who have left are telling the ones still there that the grass is greener.
I’ve worked for bosses who are a bit ready to fly off the handle, but calm down quick and sort the problem out and will stick by you if you’re in the right and if you’re lucky might even apologise. 
at least you know what they’re thinking. 
I prefer them to the weak willed “everybody’s mate” type, but you don’t really know where you stand with them.