Is Your Service Suffering from Labor Shortages?

Our United States unemployment rate continues to be extremely low at 3.60%. Interestingly, the unemployment rate had hit this same low just before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but once businesses began to reopen, these rates quickly dropped back down, creating labor shortages nationwide. The lack of qualified workers has challenged business owners to keep their doors open. At the same time, consumers are frustrated by reduced operating hours, longer wait times, and scarcity of materials and supplies. The towing industry is no exception. You may likely find your service suffering from labor shortages, but there are some things you can do to keep your business afloat.

1. Look for recruiting opportunities. Now, more than ever, you need to get creative in your recruiting efforts. It’s no longer enough to place an ad in the “help wanted” section of the newspaper or Craiglist. Consider other sources of qualified workers. For example, go to the local high school and ask to talk with the senior classes or vocational programs about the towing industry and how they can get started in this line of work. Network with business leaders and encourage them to refer applicants your way who might not have the qualifications needed somewhere else but may be a good fit for your jobs. Talk with your community’s workforce development association about your needs so they can help search for applicants for you.
2. Make sure your business is appealing to potential employees. Applicants consider many factors when they decide where they would like to work. You need to examine your business from an outsider’s point of view. Does the facility look modern, clean, and welcoming? Do your advertisements and branding present a positive image of your company? Do your current employees feel your work conditions are fair and consistent and support a work-life balance?
3. Inspect and upgrade your equipment. The towing industry is one of the most dangerous to be employed in. Potential applicants will consider safety as part of the decision-making process. Are your trucks in good working order and appear clean and safe? Are you using equipment like the Hi-SpeedⓇ Dolly and Carrier Dolly systems from Collins Manufacturing that make the work easier and safer for employees? Are employees equipped with proper uniforms and safety tools to enhance visibility and reduce the risk of injuries?
4. Team up with other towing companies. For small businesses, it may not seem intuitive that supporting another competitor may help bring you success. However, when labor is tight, you may find opportunities to share employees to meet both businesses’ needs. Another company may be able to loan you an employee if one of yours is on leave or vice-versa. They also may be able to refer applicants your way in times when they are fully staffed, but you are knee-deep in recruiting.
5. Communicate to your customers. If you still feel you cannot provide the level of service you desire for your customers, make sure you let them know. Set their expectations clearly by being honest and upfront about wait times. If you know another company will better serve them in an emergency, give them the information–they will more than likely come back to your company or refer you to a friend because of your honesty and helpfulness. Keep updates about your operating hours or span of business on your website. And, of course, always be appreciative of their patience. Be generous about handing out free coffee coupons or discount cards for future services to thank customers for giving you extra time to resolve their issues.

If your service is suffering from labor shortages, attract workers with top-of-the-line equipment from Collins.

Collins has been an industry leader in the towing equipment industry for over 45 years. Our Hi-SpeedⓇ Dolly and Carrier Dolly systems provide towing professionals with lightweight solutions durable enough to get even large vehicles out of challenging situations and transport them safely wherever they need to go. Our products are designed with safety first to keep your employees safe while attaching and moving vehicles. Visit our website or give us a call to learn more about our products.