Currently, there is a severe shortage of truck drivers in the United States. The American Trucking Association estimates that the shortage will hit 80,000 drivers by the year 2021, but by 2030 the need may increase to 160,000 drivers. The shortage is causing major bottlenecks in delivery. Fortunately, there are a few things that employers and drivers can do to make sure that there are enough truck drivers to meet the current needs of the industry.
One thing to consider is the age of truck drivers. Most drivers are older than the general workforce. In fact, over-the-road drivers are on average 46 years old. Meanwhile, private fleet drivers are 57 years old. And drivers who are still in training are 35 years old. This aging workforce is contributing to the shortage. In addition, truck drivers must be at least 21 years old to operate a tractor-trailer. Young adults who are employed in another field are often too old to get into the trucking industry.
According to FMCSA’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study, there are three main causes of truck accidents. The most common are mechanical defects and fatigue. Only 5% of crashes are caused by aggressive driving. Alcohol and substance abuse affect a small percentage of truck accidents.
How Many Truck Drivers are in USA?
There are currently about 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States and more than 250,000 in Canada. Almost a third of these drivers are independent, owner operators. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 1.2 million trucking companies in the U.S., with ninety-seven percent operating fewer than 20 trucks.
The trucking industry is reporting a higher-than-average demand for its services. Wages for employed truck drivers have increased seven to 12 percent over the past year. However, employment in certain segments remains below pre-pandemic levels. Despite this, the trucking industry is struggling to fill open positions and meet rising employment needs.
The shortage of drivers is also compounded by high driver turnover. For several years, the turnover rate has exceeded 90 percent. These drivers aren’t leaving for lack of pay, but because they want better working conditions and benefits. Wages haven’t kept up with the rising costs of living, so drivers are increasingly looking elsewhere.
What Percentage of Americans are Truck Drivers?
Trucking is one of the largest occupations in the U.S., employing more than two million people. Truck drivers are typically long-haul drivers, who travel across state lines. According to the American Trucking Association, there is a shortage of between 300,000 and 500,000 long-haul truck drivers. However, the number of new commercial drivers entering this industry is relatively high.
While the trucking industry is still dominated by men, it is increasingly becoming racially and gender diverse. Over the last 18 years, the number of women in this industry has grown by two percent. However, many drivers find the industry’s low salary a problem. The average truck driver salary is not competitive with other industries, which may contribute to the high turnover rate.
The pay is generally lower for trucking jobs than in other industries, but the industry as a whole is more stable than it used to be. Despite the high demand, the industry is facing low retention problems. A lack of qualified truck drivers can affect the flow of goods and disrupt retail operations.
Is There Really a Shortage of Truck Drivers?
Truck drivers move 72% of America’s freight. A shortage in drivers can disrupt the flow of goods from one place to another, affecting everything from construction materials to appliances and furniture. However, many trucking companies are saying there is no shortage. The reason is that the demand for truck drivers is outstripping the supply.
The problem is not unique to the U.S.; comparable shortages exist in Europe and China. According to a recent study by the International Road Transport Union, 20 percent of trucking positions went unfilled in 20 countries. Analysts have been warning about the shortage for years, but the recent economic slowdown has made the situation more severe.
According to the American Trucking Association, at least 1.1 million truckers are needed over the next decade to keep the industry moving. The Biden Administration has also voiced its concern over the shortage by launching a trucker recruitment campaign and funding state DMVs to reduce training requirements.
Who is the Largest Trucking Company in the USA?
Knight-Swift Transportation has 18,000 trucks. Some are company-owned, while others are owned by independent contractors. The company has terminals in major traffic lanes and freight centers. Drivers can choose from various types of trucks and specialized trailers. In 2021, Knight-Swift will have an annual revenue of $5.99 billion. During the first half of 2019, there were 92 truck accidents resulting in injuries.
Schneider National was founded in 1935. It has offices in the United States, Canada, and Europe. In 2018, its revenues amounted to nearly $4.9 billion. In addition to truckload services, the company also specializes in pool point distribution, cross-dock logistics, and port logistics.
In terms of size, J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. is the fourth largest trucking company in the U.S., and is headquartered in Lowell, Arkansas. It specializes in the truckload and intermodal freight markets and has over 13,000 trucks and tractors. In 2018, J.B. Hunt reported a net income of $500 million.
What State Has the Most Trucking Companies?
While it may seem that one state dominates the trucking industry, it’s actually more like a mix. Texas and Oklahoma both have plenty of business, while Texas has a few cities that have a lot of traffic. In addition, the state has little red tape, which makes it the perfect state for trucking companies. Texas can also carry the business of several smaller states. California, however, is a logistical nightmare for small trucking companies. Its heavy traffic and high urban congestion can make driving a difficult proposition.
The top four companies in the U.S. are headquartered in Arkansas, while the smallest company, J.B. Hunt Transport, is headquartered in Lowell, Arkansas. This company primarily runs semi-trailer trucks and provides transportation services across the U.S. Its fleet consists of 33,510 trailers and 15,800 tractors.
In addition to California, New York is one of the most popular states for truckers. The state has a large population of truck drivers and is an economic hotspot. New York City is a notable drop-off location for truckers.
Why is the Trucking Industry So Slow 2022?
Driver turnover has been a persistent problem for truckload carriers, which can result in a slowdown of service levels. Driver turnover can be reduced by providing higher pay and better benefits. Another solution is improving communication channels. Third-party logistics firms can marshal the capacity of small operations and reduce driver turnover.
In addition to driver turnover, the trucking industry is experiencing slow growth due to the deteriorating economic situation in the U.S. Inflation has pushed up fuel costs and the overall economy has seen lower profit margins. However, the industry is forecasting growth over the next three years.
The trucking industry will benefit from increased shipments, but not every company will see the same success. Several companies have gone out of business due to poor management. Some firms have survived by acquiring smaller competitors and offering positions for those who left. Consolidations can also help trucking companies reduce inefficiencies and streamline technology implementation. Moreover, they allow for more efficient routing.
Why are So Many Truckers Quitting?
The high turnover rate in trucking is an alarming problem. The industry’s turnover rate is 91 percent in 2019. While there are many people who have a commercial drivers license, few will take the job at low pay. Truck drivers often complain of low pay and working conditions. Many are stuck in their trucks for days at a time without breaks and don’t receive proper nutrition or exercise. They may also feel disrespected by their employers or customers.
Fortunately, there are other options available. Some truckers have gotten jobs in the construction and real estate markets, and others have switched into manufacturing or warehouse work. These new trades are a better fit for those who are tired of sitting behind the wheel. Many experienced drivers are turning to other industries as well.
One of the most common reasons truckers quit is money. Money issues include not getting enough miles and rates. In the last year, driver complaints about not getting enough miles have increased. As a result, greatwide Logistics has launched a new technology solution called GreatMatch, which can optimize owner-operators’ income. In addition to analyzing hours of service regulations, GreatMatch also looks at historical information on different types of loads to find the best match.
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