Attracting Experienced Foreign Drivers, with Rob Peacock

Episode 90: Attracting Experienced Foreign Drivers, with Rob Peacock

Chad discusses a program for recruiting experienced drivers to fill needed roles in the U.S. trucking industry with Rob Peacock, CEO of the Education Training & Technology Exchange Network based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Rob began matching the most experienced South African truck drivers with U.S. companies and owner/operators with a program that launched in 2012.

What you’ll learn about in this episode:

Why the idea of driving in the U.S. appeals to the most experienced drivers in South Africa and elsewhere
Why the truck driving industry in South Africa is challenging and sometimes dangerous
Employing foreigners to address the shortfall of available drivers in a tight U.S. labor market
How to navigate the legal process of hiring foreign drivers with employment-based green cards
The excitement and motivation of international drivers getting the opportunity to come to the U.S.
How the program grew from an effort to educate South African drivers and foster their entrepreneurial spirit
How South African drivers compare to their U.S. counterparts
U.S. businesses working with South African drivers applaud their safety record, work ethic, and attitude
The adjustments that South African drivers make to adapt to the U.S. trucking industry
What is expected from the carriers in order to make this process work smoothly
How long to expect the process of bringing foreign workers to the U.S. to take