As many of you may have guessed, the number one issue in the trucking industry today is the driver shortage.
This shortage negatively affects the economy as the demand for cargo transportation currently exceeds the supply. To make up the difference, trucking companies increase rates, and manufacturers must pay more to transport their goods. Producers often pass this cost onto the customer. Multiple studies have even shown that the economic growth of the United States is being held back by a shortage of truck drivers. Needless to say, this is a serious issue.
So what is to be done?
The top solution suggested by those interviewed by ATRI is to create a CDL program that attracts young drivers. It is no mystery that many drivers are men who will be retired in the next 5-15 years. This will aggravate the shortage as drivers are leaving the industry at a faster rate than they are entering it.
One specific strategy is to lower the age of interstate CDL eligibility. Right now, you must be 21 to earn your interstate CDL. This is a problem for a number of reasons, but the main one is that many young men and women find other work after they graduate high school, but before their 21st birthday. Even if this person was interested in earning their interstate CDL, by the the time they turn 21 it will likely be more convenient for them to stay in their current job.
It is not all doom and gloom, however. A number of researchers believe that the increased popularity of automated trucking will draw in young, tech-savy drivers and technicians.
The next two solutions involve formalizing and streamlining the CDL application process. Many believe that trucking companies need to partner with the U.S. Department of Labor to lead a national push to recruit more truckers. Within this push, they should do all they can to simplify the process of applying for an interstate CDL. It’s not uncommon for people to turn away from applying because of all the red tape involved.
What sorts of solutions do you guys have in mind for the driver shortage?
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Personal Care Transport is the only company in Pennsylvania that is licensed to transport truck drivers. With over four years of experience, Personal Care has built close relations with men and women in the industry. We have a deep understanding of the training process. Use Personal Care Services for all your trucking-related transportation needs.
