There may be no better time to start a new career as a commercial truck driver than right now as the demand for drivers is high.
Recently a report on National Public Radio highlighted the growing demand for professionally trained drivers, while a national shortage continues. Truck carriers are far too many open positions than they do drivers to fill them, which means those who complete the CDL training program at Diesel Driving Academy are often at the front of the line for some of the nation’s top driving jobs.
Few industries have as big an impact on the national economy as commercial trucks, which means commercial truck drivers are work in some of the most important careers in the country. Over 70 percent of cargo shipped through the United States spends some time on a commercial truck, meaning America moves on the back of a truck.
Even during the recent recession, commercial truck demand continued to increase and the need for drivers grew, especially since there was a shortage of professionally trained drivers that had the skills and experience truck carriers are looking for. However, as the economy begins to show signs of improvement, trucks are in even greater demand and they will be especially busy this holiday season shipping cargo to retail establishment across the nation. Economist believe this year’s holiday season will be a big one as the major container ports in America are expected to see a 9.9 percent increase in October, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released recently by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
“NRF’s annual forecast says retailers should see solid growth during the holiday season this year and these cargo numbers back it up,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Increased imports show that retailers have gauged the market and expect increased sales.”
That’s great news for commercial trucks, which carry the bulk of cargo in the United States, especially those shipments coming in through busy cargo ports. However, that is also good news for those wanting to become commercial truck drivers because the demand for professionally trained drivers will only increase as carriers attempt to keep up with demand.
The same NRF report stated that cargo traffic at container ports was already up 8 percent and that volume for the last three months combined was up 7 percent, which has already meant more work for commercial trucks.
With most holiday merchandise already at least in distribution centers by the end of October, monthly cargo volume will drop off for the remainder of the year but will remain above 2011 levels, the report also said. November is forecast to be up 2.4 percent from last year, and December is forecast to be up 4.6 percent.
The growth in cargo shipments means demand for commercial trucks is also rising. In an effort to keep up with growing demand, truck carriers are looking for more professionally trained drivers that can help meet the demand.
