Episode #33: The Driver Squeeze is Here (Q1 Data + AI Trends)

Hiring costs are climbing, better offers are pulling drivers away, and AI is changing the recruiting playbook. Sound familiar? Priscilla Peters and Scott Dismuke break down the Q3 2026 driver recruiting and retention data, from a 41% year-over-year jump in cost-per-hire to what's working in recruitment marketing and why drivers are heading for the exit. Tune in to find out where carriers are gaining ground and what could be costing you your next hire.   Show Notes: Q3 2026 Driver Recruiting & Retention Data Download Email Us: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]  

Where are carriers doubling down, and what's changing their approach? Priscilla and Scott dig into the 2026 Carrier Survey to unpack the competition for experienced drivers, shifting pay strategies, and AI's growing role in fleet operations. Hear how other fleets are responding to driver recruiting and retention pressures, and what their priorities could reveal about your own.   Show Notes: Tennessee Titans Game Turf Reaches 157 Degrees 2027 Recruitment & Retention Conference - Register 2026 Carrier Survey Bruce Pearl Episode - 2023   Email Us: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]  

The trucking market continues to evolve. In this episode, Priscilla Peters and Scott Dismuke unpack the latest Q2 driver recruiting and retention data, including economic and industry trends, recruitment marketing performance, AI adoption and impact, driver retention data, and exclusive truck driver survey insights. If you're making hiring decisions in today's market, this is the data you need.   Show Notes: Q2 2026 Driver Recruiting & Retention Data Download Email Us:  [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Everyone talks about driver turnover. Few have the data to explain it. In this episode, Scott and Priscilla explore insights from PDA's largest retention study to date, analyzing more than 10 years of voluntary driver turnover data. The findings challenge common assumptions about why drivers leave and reveal how recruiting, onboarding, equipment, operations and communication all play a role. If you're looking to improve driver retention with data instead of guesswork, this episode is for you.   Show Notes: World Cup Player Flops Be Like World Cup tourists' reactions to everyday American life PDA's Retention Analytics (RAMP) 2025 Annual Driver Retention Report   Email Us: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode of The Resource, Priscilla Peters and Scott Dismuke break down the biggest takeaways from the Spring 2026 Truck Driver Survey and share what carriers need to know right now to recruit smarter and retain better. From frustrations with company communication to the rise of AI-powered job search tools, this episode is packed with real driver feedback, industry insight, and a few debates you probably weren't expecting.   Show Notes: Spring 2026 Truck Driver Survey Lead Assist Defending Men in Flip Flops?   Email Us: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Q1 data is in, and the driver market is tightening again. In this episode, Priscilla Peters and Scott Dismuke break down what the latest driver recruiting and retention data actually means for 2026, including new insights on how AI is already impacting outcomes. If your strategy hasn't changed, you're already behind.   Show Notes: Nashville to Host 2030 Super Bowl Q1 2026 Driver Recruiting & Retention Data Download Lead Assist 3.0 Agentic SEM Aware & SEM Interactive GPTO Strategy   Email Us: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]  

What's really ahead for the freight market in 2026? In this episode of The Resource, Priscilla Peters and Scott Dismuke sit down with Thom Albrecht, Chief Revenue Officer at Reliance Partners. With a transportation career dating back to 1988 and a 7-time Wall Street Journal All Star, Thom's expertise provides a unique lens into the dynamics of the trucking industry. Thom shares his perspective on the state of the freight market, the impact tariffs could have on the industry, what stronger FMCSA enforcement means for carriers, and why recruiting and retaining drivers may get even tougher as market conditions shift. For transportation leaders, recruiters, and employer brand teams supporting the trucking industry, this episode offers timely insight into what's changing, what's ahead, and what to watch in 2026.   Show Notes: GPTO Strategy PDA's 2025 Annual Driver Retention Report Thom's First The Resource Episode – Episode #8 The St Andrews Golf Club - Scotland The Megyn Kelly Show ZeroHedge STL Sports Hub Recruitment & Retention Conference – Save The Date   Email Us: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode of The Resource, hosts Priscilla Peters and Scott Dismuke dive into the latest recruiting, retention, economic, and industry data shaping the driver market. They explain what it points to for 2026: tighter competition for qualified drivers and more emphasis on outcomes delivered through AI technology. Whether you're hiring, planning, or just trying to keep up, these insights will help you stay sharp and strategic. Pass it along to your team—because smart decisions start with smart data.   Show Notes: Q4 2025 Driver Recruiting & Retention Data Download Lead Assist 3.0 Email Us: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

We brought in not one, but two AI minds for this episode. Frankie Russo (best-selling author and upcoming Recruitment & Retention Conference keynote speaker) joins us for insights on AI leadership and innovation. Then, Simon Curtis (who leads AI initiatives at Conversion Interactive Agency) jumps in to break down how AI is reshaping driver search, employer branding, and recruiting strategy.   Show Notes: The Resource Episode #29 Frankie Russo Recruitment & Retention Conference Claude.ai Terminator 2 Simon Curtis AI-Powered Marketing Brand Solutions PDA   Email Us: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

What does 2026 have in store for truck driver recruiting and retention and beyond? Flying trucks? Scott finally learning TikTok dances? In this year-end special, Priscilla and Scott break down the industry trends they expect to dominate 2026, explore a few pop culture curveballs, and even highlight some listener predictions. Grab your crystal ball, tune in, and settle in.   Show Notes: Hey Santa – Wilson Phillips Last Christmas – Wham! Little Drummer Boy – Justin Bieber The Paper Hunter Yurachek's '6 7' Joke on ESPN Wicked: For Good Lead Assist Agentic Email Us: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]