Industry insiders estimate that the sector has a shortage of up to 50,000 drivers, and the number is expected to be more than triple by 2025. The deficit has far reaching implication in the industry, handling more than 70 percent of American freight.
What’s driving the shortage?
Chances are that you’ve never heard of a kid who wants to be a truck driver when they grow up. They would rather be anything than the guy behind the 80,000-pound monster on the road, racing to ensure that the country’s outlets are well stocked. Unsurprisingly, the average age of truck drivers in the U.S. is about 55.
The job lacks appeal to younglings, with the growing popularity of online shopping. Matters take a turn for the worse when you realize that the senior drivers are hitting the retirement age with each passing day. Given the sector’s poor ability to recruit new blood, there aren’t enough bodies to fill the vacancies.
Given the vast distances that truckers have covered, they are normally on the roads two to three weeks at a time. This keeps them away from their families for a long time, which can be quite frustrating. Add low wages to that equation, and the appeal dips further.
Changing regulations
Due to their sheer sizes, semis are responsible for some of the grisliest accidents on American roads, most of which are fatal to the occupants of other cars. Investigations revealed that driver fatigue among truck drivers is a leading cause of these accidents. The government stepped in and introduced a host of safety measures, including capping the driving hours at 11 per day.
While enforcing these rules help to combat fatigue and prevent accidents, they help to further the driver shortage problems. Now, you’ll need additional drivers and trucks to fill the same orders you did before the rules were implemented. The growing demand causes the trucking sector to have one of the highest employee turnover rates.
The scarcity is likely to continue for the foreseeable future even as the government tries to step in to mitigate the problem. The government is seeking to reduce the truck drivers’ age limit from 21 to 18. The move might help recruit many youngsters into the sector and overcome the shortage.
The scarcity of truck drivers makes it hard for your business to meet the needs of your customers. Shipping delays and inability to handle multiple order can have you losing your edge and ceding some of your market share to the competition. Fair driver treatment, great compensation terms, and friendly working terms can help you lower the turnover rates. Becoming a preferred employer makes your business immune to the biting driver shortage.
