If you’re managing a fleet in Canada, you know the driver shortage is more than just a headline—it’s a daily reality. Last year, there were over 15,000 job openings for transport truck drivers, leaving many fleets stretched thin. But solving this challenge isn’t just about hiring more drivers—it’s about keeping the great people you already have and helping them thrive.

The fleets that rise to the occasion are those that create workplaces where drivers feel safe, valued, and supported. And that’s where technology can make a lasting impact. Beyond simply gathering data, fleets embracing smart technology are gaining an edge—supporting drivers in meaningful ways, building stronger relationships, and improving retention from the ground up.

Recognizing drivers and building loyalty 

In a tight labour market, small gestures can make a big difference. Recognition is one of the simplest—and most effective—ways for managers to show drivers their hard work matters. Fleets that regularly celebrate safe driving and highlight individual achievements are finding that recognition isn’t just good for morale, it’s good for business. Drivers who feel valued are more likely to stay, perform well, and contribute to a stronger safety culture.

Samsara’s Recognition feature is designed to scale engagement without adding extra work for busy teams. The system automatically sends badges and updates as drivers hit key goals, reducing manual tracking and ensuring consistency across the fleet. Coaches can personalize messages to reinforce the specific behaviours that improve safety and strengthen relationships. And with real-time dashboards for managers and in-app views for drivers, everyone stays aligned and motivated, with clear visibility into streaks, milestones, and progress.

And soon, fleets will be able to take recognition even further. Samsara’s upcoming Rewards capabilities, launching later this year, will let fleets send instant, trackable rewards like store credit or certificates directly from the Recognition page—making driver recognition more impactful and easier to manage.

Coaching that feels supportive

Safety technology today isn’t just about detecting problems—it’s about helping drivers improve in a way that feels supportive, not punitive. Many fleets have realized that simply flagging risky behaviour isn’t enough. Drivers want feedback that’s timely, fair, and connected to the real-world challenges they face on the road.

That’s why Samsara’s Driver Coaching tools are built to turn real-time data into meaningful conversations. Instead of waiting for weekly or monthly reports, managers can address behaviours as they happen. AI Dash Cams detect issues like distracted driving, rolling stops, or harsh braking and provide clear video context, allowing safety managers to coach drivers with specific examples and practical solutions.

At Winnipeg-based TEAMS Transport, this proactive approach has been transformative. When a driver triggers an in-cab alert, managers review the footage and reach out for one-on-one coaching. It’s not about penalizing—it’s about helping drivers feel confident and prepared. The results speak for themselves: TEAMS Transport saw a 48% reduction in high-risk driving behaviours and improved their Manitoba Carrier Profile safety score by 26%, contributing to safer roads and stronger protection for both drivers and the business. Dash cam footage has also proven invaluable for resolving incidents quickly and protecting drivers from false claims.

Safety Coaching for Lean Teams, introduced in Samsara’s latest product updates, takes this support further. For small safety teams managing large fleets, this tool helps prioritize coaching efforts by highlighting the drivers and behaviours needing attention most urgently. It’s designed to keep teams focused and effective, even when resources are limited—ensuring drivers get the guidance they need without overwhelming managers.

Giving drivers time back in their day

Ask any driver what matters most, and you’ll often hear the same answer: time. Time with family, time at home, and time not stuck dealing with paperwork, confusion, or inefficient routes. That’s why fleets are turning to technology that makes drivers’ days smoother and more efficient. 

Samsara’s Apps and Workflows help drivers spend less time on manual tasks and more time focused on the road. The Driver App puts essential tools in one place, allowing drivers to complete inspections, upload documents, message dispatch, and navigate routes without juggling multiple systems. Recent enhancements have made the app even more personalized, with role-based experiences so drivers see only what’s relevant to their specific jobs. New AI-powered summaries help drivers quickly understand key updates without sifting through long message threads, keeping them informed while saving valuable time.

Instead of dealing with stacks of paperwork or endless phone calls, drivers can handle digital DVIRs, access turn-by-turn navigation tailored for commercial vehicles, upload photos and documents in seconds, and communicate directly with dispatch—all within the same app. Ultimately, it’s not just about improving operations—it’s about creating an environment where drivers feel their time is respected, and where they’re equipped with tools that make their jobs simpler, safer, and more rewarding.

A path forward

The driver shortage is real, but fleets don’t have to navigate it alone. By using technology to create safer, more supportive workplaces, Canadian fleets can help drivers feel valued and respected—strengthening teams and keeping operations running smoothly, even in challenging times.

Ready to explore how your fleet can tackle the driver shortage with smart technology? Schedule a demo to see how connected operations can drive real impact—or log in to unlock more value from your existing Samsara platform.