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Consistency matters. It helps build strong teams, improves customer experience, and makes operations more efficient.
In the waste and recycling industry, route helpers play a critical role on collection routes. They keep routes safe, on time, and running smoothly. Despite their importance, the role often lacks consistency. High turnover, limited training, and frequent vacancies are common challenges. Many helpers are outsourced through staffing agencies, and supervision is usually minimal.
The result? Increased safety risks, incomplete routes, inconsistent driver-helper relationships, and frustrated customers.
So how can companies create stability in this role and deliver the reliable service customers expect?
Stronger Together
Strong working relationships are the key to consistency. Imagine being a driver paired with a new helper every day. That helper doesn’t know the route, hasn’t learned your communication style, and may be slower or more prone to mistakes. Without supervision to support training and communication, performance is further affected.
Efficiency is one of the most significant benefits of matching a driver to a consistent helper. For Leadpoint, a long-term recruiting and workforce provider that specializes in on-route solutions, this is the primary goal. “When matched correctly, it benefits everyone,” said Wilfred Perez, Leadpoint’s Route Support Supervisor in Florida. “They become a more efficient team and build positive relationships with customers.”
The Benefits
- Strong driver-helper relationships
- Fast, more efficient routes
- Higher customer satisfaction
- Better employee retention and development into CDL roles
- Fewer safety incidents
- Reliable service, every day
More Than a Match
Leadpoint’s approach combines recruiting, training, supervision, and communication to achieve reliable and productive crews.
- Focused Recruiting & Fast Hiring 鈥� Tech-enabled recruiting process finds, screens, and places qualified helpers within 48 hours of application. Every candidate completes a physical assessment to confirm they can meet the demands of the job. This sets clear expectations and ensures the right fit from the start.
- Structured Onboarding and Training 鈥� Mandatory onboarding prepares new hires for the field. Ongoing training focuses on safety, productivity, and communication with drivers to ensure helpers know how to support and work as a team.
- Observation and Coaching 鈥� Route helpers are regularly observed in the field. Leadpoint supervisors provide real-time feedback, address issues quickly, and gather driver input. This hands-on coaching builds skills and strengthens driver-helper relationships.
- Dedicated Supervision 鈥� Full-time supervisors mentor, coach, and oversee teams. Daily briefings, on-route observations, and end-of-day check-ins reinforce safety, efficiency, and service standards.
- Reliable Crew Coverage 鈥� Leadpoint staffs crews at 10-15% above customer requirements. This ensures no labor shortages and provides backup if someone is absent or needs relief mid-route.
- Proactive Communication 鈥� Supervisors and leads support crews at the beginning and end of the day. They stay in close contact with dispatch, drivers, and helpers throughout the shift to address issues immediately and keep operations running smoothly.
鈥淎fter working as the new workforce provider at my site for one month, we had estimated 50% of our route helpers paired with a consistent driver,鈥� Wilfred said. 鈥淎fter three months, that estimate increased to around 90%.鈥�
The Power of Consistency
Same driver. Same helper. This consistency builds safer crews, stronger teams, and better service for customers. With Leadpoint’s managed approach, hauling companies gain the stability they need鈥攅very route, every day.
See the Difference. Watch and Learn More About Leadpoint鈥檚 On-Route Support.