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What is Causing the Truck Shortage?

Supply chain problems in the U.S. have been attributed to a truck shortage. In recent news stories, the New York Times and Wall Street Journal have noted this as the main problem. But the shortage of drivers is not limited to the shortage of people who want to drive trucks. The trucking industry is also facing a labor shortage as demand continues to exceed supply. It has long been a stalemate that has only increased this year due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, as well as broader changes in labor and infrastructure.

At the individual company level, there is a trucking shortage. Drivers are getting older. While trucking companies are trying to attract younger drivers, many are finding it difficult to retain experienced drivers. The average age of truck drivers is 48, which means that many of these professionals are nearing retirement age. Moreover, trucking is a male-dominated industry, and women make up just six percent of the workforce.

Is the Trucker Shortage Real?

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has issued a letter about the shortage of truck drivers, calling for fast-track grants to train people for the profession. While the shortage is real, it’s not the cause of the problem. Young people have trouble breaking into the trucking industry, because the average age of a truck driver is 48. Plus, many of them already have other jobs. The letter also notes that the number of drivers who quit their trucking jobs reaches a record low of six per year, which isn’t sustainable.

If this is the case, then the trucking industry may be in trouble. In the past decade, the trucking industry had already faced a “trucking bloodbath” when demand dropped and thousands of truckers lost their jobs. Now, the shortage has slowed down the supply chains and prompted industry leaders to consider re-thinking wages and benefits for drivers. But they may have to wait for more economic growth before they can address the shortage.

Is There a Nationwide Truck Driver Shortage?

The American Trucking Association (ATA) has argued for years that there is a national shortage of truck drivers. The problem is that not all truck drivers are qualified to drive. This leads to long hours behind the wheel and unhappy drivers. In the meantime, the shelves of stores remain stocked. There is a way to fix the problem. Trucking companies must start offering better jobs to entry-level drivers.

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One of the biggest factors contributing to the shortage is high driver turnover. Turnover has been over 90 percent for some time now. This is not because truck drivers are leaving the industry for underappreciation or underpaid conditions, though. Many truck drivers are leaving the industry for better benefits and pay. Wages haven’t kept up with the cost of living. That leads to an even bigger shortage. Drivers should be aware that the shortage is not just a problem for truck drivers – there are many reasons why.

First, it is important to remember that there are several ways to fix the issue. The most obvious solution is to hire more drivers. While there is no one single solution, there are several strategies to overcome the problem. These include focusing on improving the experience of drivers and strengthening relationships with suppliers. In addition to hiring more drivers, employers must also look at ways to reduce the costs of driving. And, of course, improving their retention rates is essential.

Will Trucks Become Obsolete?

With the advent of autonomous vehicles, one might wonder, “Will trucks become obsolete?” Although this question has been asked for a long time, there are still questions about whether this technology is truly the future of the trucking industry. The answer to this question may depend on the technology itself, and the level of automation in the industry. But for now, we can expect to see a driver in the cab of an autonomous truck to respond to mechanical problems or speak with law enforcement in the event of an accident.

While driverless cars are not on the horizon until 2025, it’s unlikely that most trucks won’t need a human driver by that time. This technology is currently in alpha testing. The role of a truck driver will change from that of a human driver to a guy behind a computer screen. The same is true of drone pilots and air traffic controllers. While self-driving vehicles might replace truck drivers, humans will still be needed to operate these machines.

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Why are So Many Truckers Quitting?

The number one reason why truckers quit is money. Drivers often complain about low pay, not getting enough miles, and poor relationship with their company and supervisor. The economy has been soft, and big trucking companies are warning of transportation problems in the next year, including equipment shortages and a backlog of freight. Long-haul drivers also complain about low pay and bad treatment from employers and customers. The good news is that there are alternatives to long-haul trucking, including a growing number of companies specializing in transporting freight.

If the trucking industry is unwilling to make necessary changes, drivers may begin to reconsider their decision. For one thing, truck drivers deserve better pay. Otherwise, they may not be interested in making a career out of trucking. Besides, trucking companies need drivers, but it is not willing to make the necessary changes. Drivers need to voice their concerns and demand better pay. Hopefully, the trucking industry will listen to the concerns of truckers and make changes where necessary.

Why Truckers are Leaving the Industry?

A recent Hechinger Report found that trucking companies are struggling to retain drivers. This is causing havoc on the entire supply chain. According to Joe Kattermann, a trainer at mega carrier Werner Enterprises, the problem is the low pay, time away from family, and living in a truck. Joe’s findings are consistent with other truckers’ stories. However, he points out some important things that can help truckers stay in the industry.

In his new book Why Truckers Are Leaving the Industry, Kaiser-Schatzlein argues that high turnover is indicative of dissatisfaction with the industry and a lack of pay. However, he argues that driver empowerment is a factor, as tight labor markets have put millions of drivers in control of their destiny. Moreover, many drivers feel resentment and frustration at their current employers, and are leaving for other jobs.

One of the main reasons women are leaving the industry is personal safety. According to a recent WIT whitepaper, truckers have reported multiple verbal abuse, unwanted physical advances, and even rape. The statistics are alarming. These findings suggest that there is still a need to address the issue of gender bias in the trucking industry. Fortunately, there are several resources available to help prevent such a crisis.

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Are Truckers Underpaid?

In the last few decades, the trucking industry has gone from a steady job to a gig economy, largely due to deregulation. The industry has also become notorious for its long, dangerous work shifts. Most truckers work over 100 hours per week. It’s hard to imagine the working conditions that were acceptable back in the day, when trucking was unionized, the pay was decent, and the hours were relatively normal. Unfortunately, that has changed with the advent of cheap-rate trucking outfits.

While deregulation of the industry changed the rules for trucking and made it possible for anyone with motor carrier authority to move freight, Congress did not remove the exemption for truckers from the minimum wage. As a result, the piecework rate for truckers has skyrocketed. Today, truckers make 40% less than they did in the 1970s – yet they’re twice as productive. So is the trucking industry underpaid?

How Much Does a Truck Driver Make Per Hour?

If you’re thinking about a career in trucking, the question on your mind might be: How much does a truck driver make per hour? The pay depends on the type of freight a truck driver hauls. While you may receive the same hourly rate every day, pay for a truck driver can vary greatly based on the type of freight and the company you work for. To find out more about truck driver pay, read on!

Pay for truck drivers varies based on type of route, experience, and company. Some truck drivers earn per mile while others are paid per load. For local or light-duty driving, hourly pay is a great option. For long-haul and OTR driving, per-mile and salary pay are best. You may receive bonuses if you do well on a particular route. If you’re a team driver, you’ll likely split your pay by the mile.

Learn More Here:

1.) History of Trucks

2.) Trucks – Wikipedia

3.) Best Trucks