The “U.S. Truck Driver Shortage: Analysis and Forecasts” study, although done in the mid-2000s, is pertinent news on ATA’s website because it mentioned that “the shortage of long-haul truck drivers could increase to 111,000 by 2014.” This is because of an “aging workforce combined with a decline in the primary demographic group,” which equates to truck drivers not being readily available for hire.
The trucking industry is not a “self-contained” industry, so the economy can ultimately be affected by the truck driver shortage. The economic slope of fewer truck drivers may lead to financial problems for professional drivers worldwide.
Since 2005 ATA has been working with other professionals to address the truck driver shortage. The recruiting process is a hard one, especially when it comes to finding qualified drivers. The solution to the problem has not been found yet. Although the process is a slow one, industry insiders are hoping experienced truck drivers will respond to the need.
The study also included other interesting findings. The shortage of truck drivers is not an issue that is new to the trucking scene. The problems started in the early 1990s, when qualified truck drivers were scarce within the industry. Since the economy hasn’t done so well in the past year, the shortage is still having a negative impact on the trucking industry. Rising gas prices are also not helping with the situation.
Another issue related to the trucking shortage that the study pointed out is the demanding lifestyle of truck drivers. Truck drivers who drive longer distances are often on the road more than they are at home, causing a work/life balance conflict for drivers.
It’s still up in the air how the shortage will influence the economy in the long run, but the impact could be great. Let’s hope more truck drivers obtain jobs in the industry and the economy reaps the positive results.