Trucker Shortage
For the last few years, we have seen a dramatic trucker shortage. Why? Well, there are many reasons – far too many reasons – but we’ll just go ahead and focus on a few of them right now:
- First of all, the baby boomers are retiring. The trucker population is made up of aging drivers who are ready to retire and enjoy their golden years.
- Younger drivers are becoming discouraged. The trucking industry has a reputation for rough, cowboy-spirited outlaws that don’t like to follow the rules and are fiercely independent. As a result, the profession tends to attract less-than-professional drivers who think they can get away with drinking and smoking, breaking the law, and driving recklessly. At the same time, increased supervision, drug tests, background checks and law enforcement are cracking down on these young rule-breakers and forcing many drivers out of the industry.
- Increased regulation is causing seasoned drivers as well as new recruits to become disgruntled, even if they are the stand-up, law-abiding type. New laws are placing a greater burden on drivers, and as a result, many truckers are facing fines for things that are out of their control. For example, it’s just about impossible to avoid driving over hours when there is no parking available, or driving over the weight limit when the supplier has no scale available.
- Working conditions are another part of the equation. Low pay, tough schedules, poorly maintained vehicles, bad bosses and generally difficult working conditions are causing many to leave the profession.
- Finally, fracking is becoming a major factor. The energy boom has consumed what is left of the trucking industry and increased the effects of the driver shortage.
These are all important issues to think about for the next generation of truckers. If you are about to join a truck driving school, then be sure to discuss these problems with your instructors, future employers and industry leaders. At least with this current lack of truck drivers, you’re sure to be able to find a job, and maybe even negotiate higher pay and better working conditions.