Truck Driver Shortage in the USA: The Struggle to Fill 80,000 Positions

Houston, we have a problem and it’s a big one! The US is short over 80,000 truck drivers this year alone. And it doesn’t look like it’s going to get better anytime soon. By 2030 it’s projected to be 160,000. Scary when you consider how important the trucking industry is to our daily lives.

Root Causes of the Shortage

The shortage of truck drivers can be blamed on:

• Growing Demand: There’s a huge demand for truck drivers in the US, every business needs them. But there’s not enough drivers to go around.
• Aging Workforce: The industry is old, 5 times as many drivers over 55 than under 35. So a lot of retirements coming soon.
• Barrier to Entry: Tough working conditions, low pay and no benefits keeps many from pursuing a career in trucking.
• Industry Exodus: A lot of drivers are leaving the industry for better paying jobs with better pay, working conditions and benefits. Disatisfaction with long hours on the road, roadside rest and motel stays is driving this exodus.

Solutions to the Shortage
While we won’t see an end to the truck driver shortage soon, here’s what we can do to attract more people to the industry:

1. Higher Pay: One of the main reasons to leave the industry is low pay. By paying more we might keep more employees.
2. Better Incentives: Giving health focused food cards could make the job more attractive.
3. Improved Working Conditions: While the trucks won’t change, improving working conditions like booking hotel rooms instead of cab sleeping could make a difference.
4. International Driver Recruitment: There’s a lot of interest from international drivers to work in the US. By allowing them to work here we could solve the driver shortage.

The truck driver shortage predates the pandemic and is likely to persist if substantial changes are not made. It is imperative that the government recognizes the gravity of this issue and devises effective strategies to address it.