More freight orders are being placed, especially as the construction, manufacturing and auto industry all show growth. However, its not all good news for commercial truck carriers as a nationwide driver shortage has become a challenge for an industry that is growing.
Professionally trained truck drivers are often the most sought after by some of the best carriers across the country and student of the training program at Diesel Driving Academy are finding success in this industry upon completing the program. But because there are not enough professionally trained drivers to meet demand, many carriers are forced to hire drivers with little to no training, leading to a high turnover rate.
Drivers will professional training are not just in high demand, but they enjoy a higher than average starting pay and benefits. They are also more likely to be picked for advancement.
The commercial truck industry is on the upswing as the economy is showing signs of improvement, but a shortage of professionally trained drivers is holding some of that growth back. The American Trucking Associations has estimated that there is a current need for 20,000 to 25,000 big-shipment, long-distance commercial truck drivers. When considering the expected rise in the industry over the next few years, as many as 100,000 new commercial truck driving jobs could be available in the next 10 years, the report said.
A combination of growing routes, a growing economy and thousands of drivers preparing to enter retirement has created a severe shortage of professionally trained drivers. Truck carriers are ready to hire drivers today, but they are unable to find the right kinds of drivers, and that is holding back some of the potential of the growing truck industry.
Trucking companies are starving for drivers and many are raising pay and benefits in an effort to attract more applicants. A recent survey by the industry research firm Transport Capital Partners said trucking companies may be reluctant to accept additional business due to a portion of their trucks sitting idle from a lack of drivers. As many as 75 percent of the carriers surveyed are reporting trucks going unused because of a lack of drivers, according to the American Trucking Associations.
If you are one of the millions of Americans looking for work – or have given up looking for work – the commercial truck driver industry may be a great option. Carriers all across the country are desperately looking for more commercial truck drivers, but they especially need those drivers with professional training and those that have completed a respected driver’s training program, like the one at Diesel Driving Academy.
Labor experts expect the commercial truck industry to continue to grow in the coming months and that will mean the demand for drivers will only get bigger. Carriers are looking to fill vacant positions with drivers, but they are especially interested in professionally trained drivers that have a better success rate at lasting in this career, which can be challenging at times. As manufacturing, construction and auto sales all continue to show growth, the commercial truck industry will also grow and thousands of more drivers will be needed to help meet the growing demand.
