Truck fleets have tried any number of tactics to retain drivers, but if a recent survey is any indication, they might do better to focus on a few basic elements. A study of 164 German truck drivers showed that drivers mainly care about four things: job security, good relationships, a company-provided cell phone, and their own truck. The study findings were presented by Prof. Günter Prockl of the Copenhagen Business School at the CSCMP Europe 2011 Conference in Barcelona, Spain.

When asked how they felt about their jobs, 34 percent of the drivers said they were satisfied, another 27 percent described themselves as dissatisfied, and the remaining 39 percent said they were indifferent. Their most common concern: unspecified "annoyances in working conditions," cited by 34 percent.

"Resources" also played an important role in drivers' job satisfaction. When asked what kept them happy on the job, 98 percent cited a dedicated truck and 92 percent mentioned a company-provided mobile phone. In addition, 93 percent pointed to good relationships with their superiors.

The study found no relationship between job satisfaction and the driver's age, the type of traffic involved, or the length of haul. It did find a relationship between job security and satisfaction.