What’s the impact of Driver Shortage in Trucking Industry?

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What are the impact of Driver Shortage in Trucking Industry?

Over the last few years, there’s been a major issue of driver shortage in the trucking industry. American Trucking Association estimates a shortage of roughly 60,000 drivers in the USA now, and it is expected to grow to 82,000 by the end of 2024. And 2025 doesn’t look bright either, the shortage is estimated to grow overtime reaching higher numbers through the year.

Why is there a shortage of Truck Drivers in USA?

1. Aged Workforce

46 is the average age of the truck drivers, which means that a large number of drivers are nearing their retirement age. With the lack of young drivers coming into the industry. The American Trucking association estimates that in the next decade the industry will need to hire 1.2 million new drivers. 

2. Struggle Attracting Newer Drivers

The trucking industry is facing a difficult time attracting new drivers. Long hours away from home, difficult lifestyle, poor pay, which serves this already less desirable career choice as a major deterrent. Also, the minimum age requirement to be 21 for interstate commercial driving limits the opportunity for high school graduates to enter

3. E-Commerce

The rapid growth of e-commerce since COVID-19 pandemic has high demands of efficient e-commerce delivery that attracts drivers to these jobs, which often pays better and has less impact on personal life. Which is much better compared to long-haul trucking jobs.

How to Solve Driver Shortage in the Industry?

 Effects of the Shortage on The Industry

1. Consumer Prices

The supply chain shortage will raise prices for consumers as well as companies to account for higher shipping costs, product shortage and other problems. The consumers will have to face higher prices or be unable to afford certain items. Which is a huge issue on a large scale as the Trucking industry moves 72.5% of America's freight by weight.

2. Supply Chain Shortage

Driver shortage will make supply chains less productive as there is a lack of drivers to transport goods. When a driver isn’t available to fill a truck load, delivery delays often result in a shortage issue almost immediately.

3. Higher Operating Cost

Having to recruit and train new drivers, trucking companies must invest additional funds. Attracting newer drivers by increasing wages is a good thing for drivers, but for the company it means having higher operational cost. Which makes the company hard to earn profit.

 Final Thoughts

The shortage of truck drivers is a real concern as it can have a great impact on the economy. To face these several problems, professionals at SuperTruck are dedicated to reducing this issue by hiring drivers at better wages and providing benefits.