• Higher customer satisfaction
• Improved safety
• A competitive edge

We’ve put together this helpful article to outline a number of ways that can help you attract, recruit, and retain the best taxi drivers in the business.

Build a reputation as a good employer

Reputation counts for a lot and in the digital age, word of mouth spreads fast than ever! You want to make sure that you are known in your community and your industry as a good and fair employer.

This starts with your current employees, making sure they are happy and engaged. They are the ones who will serve as brand ambassadors and spread positive word-of-mouth about your company – so by working on developing a positive work environment will go a long way to attracting top employees.

The iCabbi dispatch system can be a great way of improving driver satisfaction. Features like in-app messaging and notifications, allowing taxi companies to keep drivers informed about job assignments, updates, and important announcements. This clear and instant communication reduces driver stress and helps them feel more valued and engaged.

Spread the word

To help spread the word about your amazing reputation as an employer, think about using social media, your website, and other channels to tell the world how good you are at looking after your employees – whether that be extra perks and benefits, supporting local charities and good causes or simply cakes in the office on a Friday.

How you recruit taxi drivers

A solid job advert is key for recruitment. You want to make ensure that it clearly explains the key responsibilities and requirements of the role, as well as the benefits of working for your company. Once you have your advert, think about how it’s viewed and accessed. Online job boards, social media, and local newspapers are a great first port of call.

As well as posting adverts for drivers to find you, it’s also worthwhile to think about ways you can go out and find new drivers. Consider partnering with your local driving schools and training centres to tap into a pool of newly qualified drivers.

Also, look into participating in job fairs and networking events as well, as they provide valuable opportunities to personally connect with potential candidates. Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of employee referrals – think about how you can incentivise or encourage your existing drivers to refer their friends and contacts.

Competitive pay and benefits

To successfully attract and keep top-notch drivers, it’s crucial to provide appealing compensation packages and perks. Take the time to study the current market rates for taxi drivers in your locality and ensure that your payment structure aligns with or exceeds those benchmarks. Additionally, incorporating bonuses and performance-based incentives can further entice highly skilled individuals to join your team.

With iCabbi, additional pay and rewards can also be offered based on driver performance, helping to incentivise a culture of high-performance. iCabbi can enable taxi companies to monitor driver behaviour, such as punctuality, customer ratings, and driving habits. With this data, companies can implement incentive programs and reward drivers who consistently deliver great service. By recognizing and rewarding high-performing drivers, iCabbi helps to motivate and retain the best talent.

It doesn’t just have to about pure pay either; consider offering benefits such as health insurance, pension contributions and paid leave. These perks can set your company apart from competitors and help to retain drivers in the long run.

What’s more, small gestures of appreciation can go a long way in making your drivers feel valued and motivated. Aside from performance-based bonuses, this could be in the form of employee-of-the-month awards, or simply acknowledging their efforts during team meetings.

Streamline your hiring and on-boarding

A lengthy or complicated hiring process can deter top talent.

The iCabbi taxi dispatch system can simplify the driver onboarding process, making it easier for taxi companies to recruit new drivers. The system can automate the collection and verification of driver documents, such as licenses and insurance, reducing the administrative burden and ensuring compliance with regulations. This streamlined onboarding process saves time for both the company and the drivers, making it more convenient and attractive for potential recruits.

Provide quality vehicles and technology

To keep running expenses down while making the driving job more appealing to potential recruits, consider maintaining your fleet to a high standard of comfort, and investing in fuel-efficient vehicles.

The proper use of technology can also be a game-changer in making drivers’ roles more straightforward and efficient. Giving drivers access to the appropriate tools and tech can significantly boost their performance and job happiness.

Take iCabbi as an example, it’s brimming with features aimed specifically at drivers, which significantly improves their experience. For instance, the intuitive navigation feature offers real-time traffic updates, assisting drivers to plan the best routes and keep delays to a minimum. The system also allows drivers to customize preferences, such as choosing preferred vehicle types. By prioritising driver convenience and personalisation, iCabbi helps create a positive work environment and encourages driver loyalty.

Promote work-life balance

Taxi driving can be a demanding job, with irregular hours and high levels of stress. Promoting work-life balance is crucial for retaining the best drivers. You should consider offering flexible schedules, where drivers can choose their shifts or have some control over their working hours.

Look into establishing policies to ensure that drivers are not overworked, such as limiting the number of consecutive hours or days that they can work. Also encourage drivers to take breaks and time off to rest and recharge. A well-rested driver is not only safer on the roads but also more likely to stay with your company in the long run.

Click here for further reading on how to establish a work-life balance in your business.

Encourage feedback and continuous improvement

Finally, encourage feedback from your drivers and use it to make continuous improvements. Regularly survey your drivers to understand their job satisfaction, challenges, and suggestions for improvement. This will not only make your drivers feel heard and valued but also provide valuable insights for improving your recruitment and retention strategies moving forward.

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Remember, your drivers are the backbone of your business, and investing in them is an investment in the success of your company. Free Demonstration to find out more about how iCabbi could help make you a more attractive and successful employer.

The post Recruit Taxi Drivers: How To Recruit and Retain Top Drivers first appeared on iCabbi UK.

What is the Driver App?

Taxi businesses like to use the driver app because of the usability factor. Easy to use, the app also has a highly accurate navigation system. Whilst it sounds simple, this is a vital way of keeping your drivers happy. There’s also not that much faffing around in terms of set-up. Administrators can always control driver’s access to the system at all times so there is also the security factor.

What are the key features?

We’ve touched on why drivers might like the app, but now it’s time for us to go into more detail about the key features of the driver app.

One of the most common complaints from drivers is an inaccurate navigation system. There is nothing more annoying for a driver than if they realise that they could have taken a quicker route, avoided traffic or just provided a more comfortable route for the passenger. Fortunately, the iCabbi driver app has highly accurate navigation that comes with a big, bright screen. Ask any taxi driver what the ideal features of a driving app would be, and these will certainly be top of the list.

Easy to use taxi driver app

It’s also easy to use. – Wait, surely this is the case for all apps. You would think so. But if you’re running a taxi business, you’ll be aware that taxi drivers may often complain about their app not working or not being fit for purpose. No driver wants to miss out on a potential journey, and subsequently money, because they couldn’t work the app. With iCabbi, the app is famed for ease and simplicity of use. It is just ideal!

There are other features

For some iCabbi customers, it’s not just about the driver app. There’s also a driver smartphone package included with even more benefits. Check out the details below!

iCabbi Driver Smartphone Package

The term dedication is used plenty at iCabbi. We’re dedicated to helping our customers. The taxi firms and businesses we work with are also dedicated to their drivers. That is why some of them opt for the smartphone benefits package. With this package, drivers are always available for voice and data communication.

Plus, due to the nature of it being fully locked down, important items such as GPS cannot be deleted. With it being slick in the visual display as well, the app is a large display that covers all of the screen, but is also easy to read. Additionally (yes, there’s more), drivers always need a working device, and that’s why the smartphone is fully insured. It comes with all the essential accessories, including the cradle, goose-neck and power lead. With iCabbi, there’s always just that little bit more.

Customer touchpoints

As you’ve probably seen on our social media accounts recently, we’ve been talking about the benefits of driving with iCabbi. Not only will the software benefit your drivers but also it adds an extra layer to the touchpoints that you can add to your customers and passengers. Being able to view everything digitally can improve the relationship between your dispatch team and the driver.

Download the Driver App

After taking in all that info, you’re likely to want to download the iCabbi Driver App. You can do that here.

If you’re giving it serious consideration, you can request a free demonstration now to discover why iCabbi is the go-to choice for taxi businesses across the UK.

To get in contact, call us on 01623 44 22 11, or pop us an email at enquiries@icabbi.etgl.co.uk.

The post Why The iCabbi Driver App Is Essential To Growing Your Business first appeared on iCabbi UK.

It is also not just talking about drivers wearing masks and taxis now only taking card payments rather than cash. The whole taxi dispatch automation sector is being revolutionised thanks to new and improved technology. There’s never been a better time for taxi companies to take advantage. Make the transition smoother as things are not busy and you would not be missing out. Well, here are some subtle changes that some companies have been making.

What did Covid mean for taxi companies?

Some taxi companies have completely revamped their apps and their services to bring them more in line with competitors. So, whilst some changes won’t have been subtle, like a taxi firm’s app rebrand and shiny new app, there are other elements that would have slipped under the radar. A brand-new taxi dispatch software has led to a sped-up system.

Perhaps in a similar way to delivery companies like Deliveroo and Uber Eats, the most subtle changes are often the best. As a customer, a person may not notice the difference when a company or website changes an online ordering system software. But to a business, the differences are mind-blowing.

Long gone are the days when hailing a taxi was the only way to get around and the only way to ensure your drivers are all organised and know how it all works.

Changing the atmosphere of your business with Taxi Dispatch Software

In most businesses, it is usually pretty obvious when there are disgruntled employees. Plus, if you asked any disgruntled employee why they may be a bit upset, they can usually point toward a lack of organisation or structure.

A taxi driver especially will feel annoyed if he is missing out on journeys because his software doesn’t work or is somehow weighted in favour of other drivers. Obviously, this is not always the case, but some drivers will feel like this regardless.
The best way to make them a feel little better is to use state-of-the-art software. Software like the one that iCabbi has developed is a great example of what makes a driver happy. Below is a small list of why up-to-date taxi dispatch software is so important.

Automated Assignment

The best software will offer automated assignments. This ensures that drivers know that they are being treated fairly. It was touched upon earlier that someone times a driver might feel aggrieved that the better (more expensive) rides are distributed unfairly if the dispatch is being done manually. Well, this taxi dispatch software means you will be able to foster a healthy and happy business.

Automated Taxi Dispatch Software

Yes, it is different. An automated dispatch means that a driver would not have to drive long distances to get to his destination, as this would make no sense for the company and the driver. Not only will the driver get upset but the company would be wasting time. Essentially, this type of software brings about better efficiency which is the end goal of any company.

Keep Your Customers Informed with Predefined Smart Messages

Keeping your customers informed is one of the best ways to ensure you deliver a great business model. There are two main aspects to running any company, not just a taxi company. Firstly, keep your employees happy, and secondly, keep your customers happy. A driver will not want to be spending time writing out messages to passengers or calling them, but with updated software, customers will be alerted when a person is near.

Zone and Bid Visibility

This is a real Taxi Business term, but this iCabbi software also enhances zone and bid visibility, It will allow a driver to know where the work is and if it is realistically viable for them to complete the journey. This is perhaps more beneficial to the employee rather than the business, but it all comes up under keeping the employee happy, which is always better for business.

Cashiering

This aspect of the software is probably what will please drivers the most – correct and efficient payment processes. There have been changes in the way taxi drivers are paid for the respective journeys they make. This cashiering phenomenon is actually beneficial to the company as it helps guarantee that customers get paid on time. This is a big talking point in the taxi industry and a major reason why this software is imperative. It could be the biggest factor in keeping hold of your happy drivers. Check out how it works here.

Integrates your GPS

Every taxi driver needs GPS. Even if they only do local journeys, sometimes a proper GPS system will help a driver to beat the traffic. There may also be the case where you do get one that is not local and if there is the odd time when a passenger throws a curveball in terms of location and they are, let’s say intoxicated, then GPS will come in handy.

The important thing to note here is that satellite navigations can be expensive on their own. So, if you have to buy a separate kit then the costs can add up. With certain taxi dispatch software, however, there is plenty of potential being offered by things that are all in one.

Get in touch about iCabbi Taxi Dispatch Software

Essentially, at iCabbi we are to help you improve your taxi business and help it to grow. We take on new customers regularly which you would be able to see on our Facebook page. It’s worth a look but you can also get in contact by following the instructions below.

Call us on 01623 44 22 11

The post How to Keep Your Drivers Happy When you are a Taxi Business first appeared on iCabbi UK.

And more importantly, without good drivers, you don’t have a business that can compete in today’s world … where new firms spring up every day, and outfits like Uber are changing the landscape.

But with some firms reporting that they’re actually having to pay drivers ‘signing on bonuses’ to join them in order to meet demand, how do you ensure that you are able to attract new drivers and that your business is represented by high-quality, honest, hard-working drivers?

Drivers who will not only create a great impression on your customers, but who will stick with you through thick and thin and act as ambassadors for your firm?

More often than not, recruitment comes through word of mouth, as news travels through your drivers that your firm is the one to work for.

So, with that in mind, here are our top seven ways to recruit more (and better!) drivers…

1. Be Fair!

When it comes to earning money, you know that there are two types of drivers. The ones who jump on every call, whether it’s worth £40 or £2.50 – and the ones who’ll hang around just waiting for the big jobs to come in – the ‘grabbers’.

That’s all fine and normal … but what happens when the serious earners, the ones who take every job available, start to feel that the best jobs are all going to one or two ‘grabbers’?

Whether you have 10 drivers or 110, ensuring that each one of them gets the same chance to drive the high-earning jobs will build you a reputation as a fair employer – and that reputation can be like gold-dust when it comes to attracting new drivers.

Whether you assign journeys manually or via an automated system (where the software does it for you), make sure that your controllers are not favouring some drivers over others to ensure that drivers know that they are being treated fairly.

2. Communicate

With your drivers out on the road morning, noon and night, communication isn’t always easy.

And yet keeping them informed and up to date is key to making them feel involved in the business … and when they feel involved, they also feel invested and loyal.

If it’s impractical to get your drivers together physically on a regular basis, then you might try regular email updates or even text messages.

The taxi industry is perhaps unique in the ease with which drivers can move from one firm to another … and ensuring that your drivers know that you are there and that you are committed to them is a powerful way to get them to stick around.

There are a few key messages that we believe you need to reinforce over and again…

• Allocation – work is allocated fairly to all drivers with no favouritism (if you use a system like iCabbi remind them that the system does this automatically).
• Uber – driving for Uber ‘on the side’ may be tempting, but remind them that Uber takes 25% of their earnings AND reports it all directly to the tax man.
• Standards – remind them that your customers really value clean cars and uniformed drivers, and encourage them to keep their standards high.
• Customer App – remind your drivers that a high percentage of customers love using your customer app (once they download it), and that this is one of the reasons why you are successful and growing, and why you can give them a high volume of work. Encourage them to talk about the customer app to customers who don’t yet use it.
• Positive Feedback – relay praise from customers back to the specific driver and copy in all of your drivers.

3. Supply a Uniform

It doesn’t have to be a full chauffeur’s suit and hat!

Even offering your drivers a branded shirt can give you a competitive edge.

Firstly, it helps your drivers to feel like part of the team – your drivers stop being an odd assortment of individuals and become a recognisable team. It gives them an identity and helps to build loyalty.

And just as important, it creates a great impression with your customers. Smartly dressed drivers suggest a level of professionalism that will give your customers an extra degree of confidence in the service you provide.

4. Respect, but Lead

As we said, it’s important to make your drivers feel like they’re a valuable part of your team – that way they’re more likely to stay with you longer, and act as advocates for your business – but it is equally important not to let them “take over”.

When it is so easy for drivers to move from one firm to another, it can be tempting to give in to their demands, and slowly hand over control. Yet making your firm a profitable, efficient and well-run business requires you to stay in control at all times.

Respecting your drivers and treating them as valued individuals doesn’t mean that you can’t still be the boss. And when your drivers respect you for taking control, you increase their sense of security and their desire to stay loyal to you.

5. Don’t Compromise on Driver Quality

This follows on neatly from the idea of respecting your drivers but making sure you are always seen as the boss.

Drivers want to drive for a successful, profitable firm where their earning potential is high. Customers want to book taxis from a firm where drivers are polite, timely and helpful, willing to go ‘above and beyond’ in order to make them feel valued.

The best way to ensure that everyone is happy is to insist on the highest standards of performance from your drivers. That might be as simple as greeting their passengers by name, or helping them with shopping or luggage (to the door, not just out of the boot!). Whatever it takes to ensure that your customers leave delighted after every journey.

When drivers fail to uphold these standards, be fair but be tough. There’s no point holding on to a driver who’s bringing down your reputation. It’s something that your customers will notice, and that will have a knock-on effect on your other drivers, too.

6. Use a Great System

Time and time again when we speak to taxi company owners and managers we hear that their outdated dispatch systems are a major cause of upset among their drivers.

The perception is often that outdated systems allow dispatchers to favour some drivers over others, and that they can make it harder for drivers to do their jobs effectively.

For example, the GPS be a bit hit and miss causing drivers frustration as they try to locate their passenger.

Implementing an up-to-date system can deliver you several key benefits.

Firstly, when your dispatch system works well your drivers can perform better. Accurate GPS so that pickups are straightforward, a fair way of distributing jobs … simple things that add up to happier, more efficient drivers.

And when they’re more efficient they can take on more work. That’s good for them, and good for you!

In addition, the impact on your reputation in a busy marketplace can be tangible. Customers will notice that your cars always arrive on time, and that they’re always greeted personally.

They’ll notice that they get where they want to go without delay … and they’ll choose you again for these reasons.

7. Market Yourself!

Word of mouth is a great way to win new customers, and attract quality drivers to your business. But, it’s not the only string to your bow.

In a marketplace swamped with competition (both from other taxi companies and newer solutions like Uber) the most successful players are actively promoting their businesses systematically and regularly.

There are numerous ways that you can employ low-cost options from simple flyers and beer mats to social media.

This could include running limited special offers and promotions designed to attract new customers and keep existing customers happy and loyal … and this all filters through to how your drivers feel about working for you.

Striving to be the best company to work for might take a bit more work, and you may have to take some tough decisions about how you promote (and enforce) your high expectations, but in the long run it will lead to happier, more diligent drivers who are not only proud to be seen working for you, but who actively promote your business and attract similar quality new drivers to you.

To discover how you can recruit and retain more high quality drivers, request our free guide – “How to Recruit and Retain More Drivers – The Top 10 Things You Need to Know” by clicking here.

If you have any questions or need more information you can speak to one of the iCabbi UK team based in our Mansfield office. You can call us on 01623 44 22 11 or email enquiries@icabbi.etgl.co.uk. Our friendly team are here to help and support you.

The post 7 Proven Ways to Recruit More Drivers first appeared on iCabbi UK.