Some of the nation’s busiest commercial truck routes are located in the northeast, so when Hurricane Sandy hit that region in October, it had a major economic impact to the trucking sector. However, the storm was also an example of how resilient the commercial trucking sector is and the important role it plays in helping America recover from natural disasters.

Initial estimates were that the storm caused as much as $50 billion of damage, but some economists say the commercial trucking sector may actually see a boost in business in the aftermath of the storm.

Bob Costello, chief economist at the American Trucking Associations, said Hurricane Sandy would have a negative impact on the economy, including for trucks, which have been experiencing rapid growth in recent years.

Costello also said fleets are expected to see an increase in activity in the coming weeks and months during the cleanup and rebuilding phases, according to a Truckinginfo.com article. “Dry van carriers will likely see a boost in freight from retailers replenishing store shelves that were depleted in the days before the hurricane,” the article said. “But of course these fleets saw a lull in freight in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast during the last few days (after the storm).”

FTR Senior Consultant Noel Perry said the estimated loss on the commercial trucking industry in the northwest was $140 million per day, both those losses will ultimately be recouped because of associated resupply and rebuilding truck freight demands. The estimate is that 20 percent of the commercial trucking industry was stalled in the week after the storm.

The storm was devastating for millions of Americans, but it is another example of how resilient the commercial trucking industry is and why it is an employment sector that continues to grow as the demand for professionally trained drivers increases.

How the growing field is embracing these changes

Updated March 23, 2023

Many industries utilize technology as a way to grow business efficiency. The commercial truck industry is no different. Everything from driver devices and regulator logs utilizes the latest trucking technology advancements. Keep reading to see how every role is incorporating this new technology into their roles.

How Truck Drivers Use Technology Every Day

Commercial truck drivers have increased their use of mobile devices for both navigation and social media. As drivers are often away from home for long periods of time, it’s important to stay in contact with family and friends. Luckily, smartphones have made this possible. To stay connected, they use apps such as FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, and WhatsApp. GPS navigation is a breeze with apps such as TruckerPath and Waze. These allow drivers to see what roads are accessible to them, and find rest stops for breaks.

Trucking Technology that Benefits All Parties

Fleet tracking systems have been developed to help trucks move quicker through checkpoints and expedite movement with paperless driver logs. A bigger development in this area is telematics, which helps companies and drivers track specific data points more accurately.

This trucking technology is being used to help reduce fuel consumption, along with location, speed, mileage, and more. Having this knowledge allows companies to give more accurate data to their customers, improve overall operations and efficiency, and save money in the long run.

Technology that Helps Build Trucks

Over the next few years, we are likely to see the implementation of more fuel-efficient and electric trucks. The Kenworth T680 Next Generation model is hoping to be 7% more fuel efficient, offering more miles to the gallon. Experts are currently conducting tests to see if electric vehicles (EVs) boast the same efficiency and towing capabilities as diesel trucks.

DDA Teaches About This and More In CDL Training

The new trucking technology is just another example of the advancements underway in the growing commercial truck industry, which is experiencing a high demand for professionally trained truck drivers.

Diesel Driving Academy is helping to create the next generation of American truck drivers and has become one of the most respected truck driver training programs in the country.

When times are tough – like they were in the years following the 2008 recession – the commercial truck industry keeps moving. And when times are good – like they have been for many sectors in the past few months – the commercial truck industry is poised to explode with even more growth.

For the past several years, the commercial truck industry has been growing and the demand for drivers has grown with it. However, even more drivers will be needed in the coming years as some estimates say that another 500,000 commercial truck drivers with professional training will be needed over the next decade.

Commercial trucks play an important role in America’s economy. Unlike airplanes and trains, commercial trucks are flexible enough to take shipments to almost every corner of the country, which is why trucking has been one of the most in-demand industries, which means the demand for professionally trained truck drivers is also high across the country.

The commercial truck industry has been seeing rapid growth for the past few years and the future looks even brighter. Even before the economy began to show signs of improvement, the commercial trucking industry was already growing. Now that sectors like manufacturing and construction are starting to slowly grow, the truck industry is experiencing even more growth. The growth in the commercial trucking industry is causing truck carriers to hire thousands of new drivers every month, but it is professionally trained drivers who are in the highest demand by carriers desperate to find more drivers. As regulations increase and safety becomes even more important, carriers want drivers with relevant training and experience, including those from schools like Diesel Driving Academy.

Diesel Driving Academy offers a CDL training program that is helping job seekers start a long-term career as a professional commercial truck driver, which is especially needed in today’s era of high unemployment. Carriers all across the country are experiencing a shortage of qualified drivers, which makes professional training from a respected school like Diesel Driving Academy the logical first step in getting work in this growing industry.

Truck carriers are looking for drivers who can help them meet the growing demands of the industry. They are looking for professionally trained driver they can trust. Driving a commercial truck is not an easy job and it’s not for everyone, but this profession can be the perfect fit for a jobseeker looking for a stable career in a growing industry.

If you are looking for a new job then the commercial truck industry might be the right fit for you and Diesel Driving Academy is the place to start that new career. A new career as a commercial truck driver could be just a few months away.

There is a difference between a job and a career.

A job is something you do for money, a place you go but never really feel a part of.

A career is something you do because you have a passion for it. A career is about building a bright future for you and your family, and making a difference through hard work and dedication.

One of the best places to start a new career is in the commercial truck industry where thousands of professionally trained drivers are needed right now. This profession requires training and experience, but it is also a place where many jobseekers can build a career doing something that makes a difference and leaves you with a sense of accomplishment.

Millions of Americans are out of work and many are not just looking for a job, they are looking for a career. The difference is a career offers long-term stability, a change to advance with a company and the opportunity to make a good income. All of that and more are found in the commercial truck industry where carriers are desperately seeking more drivers to help them keep up with growing demand.

The demand on the commercial truck industry continues to grow and carriers are becoming flooded with business, but many are having a hard time keeping up as there are too few professionally trained workers than can help meet the demand. In fact, there is a competition among carriers for professionally trained drivers, making the jobseekers with professional training a hot commodity in today’s employment field.

The CDL training program at the Diesel Driving Academy can be completed in a matter of months and recruiters help students find a truck-driving job that meets their needs. Many students complete the program with multiple opportunities from some of the best truck carriers in the country.

The Diesel Driving Academy offers a CDL training program that is helping job seekers start a long-term career as a professional commercial truck driver, which is especially needed in today’s era of high unemployment. Carriers all across the country are experiencing a shortage of qualified drivers, which makes professional training from a respected school like the Diesel Driving Academy the logical first step in getting work in this growing industry.

Jobs may seem scarce across the country, but the commercial truck industry has more open positions than there are qualified drivers to take them. If you are one of the millions of Americans who are looking for work, especially a position that pays well and offers job security, then the commercial truck industry might be the perfect place for you.

It’s not easy looking for a job in today’s America, especially if you are looking to enter a new career field. Most industries today require specific training and many employers say they actually do have jobs to fill, but not enough qualified applicants.

However, if you one of the millions of Americans looking for work today then you should know that there is one industry where training for just a few months can lead to a stable career in a growing field, where starting pay is higher than the national average and demand continues to grow.

The commercial truck industry offers a chance for long-term employment and job seekers can enter this growing career field in a matter of months with the right professional training from Diesel Driving Academy’s CDL training program.

The Department of Labor reports that the economy has added on average just 139,000 jobs a month since the beginning of the year, which remains below 2011’s average of 153,000. However, the commercial trucking industry has added jobs every month this year and has added close to 60,000 new drivers since the beginning of the year. More than 125,000 professional commercial truck drivers have been hired since 2010 and another half a million are expected to be needed over the next decade.

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.

Many applicants that have completed a professional CDL training program are finding that they are at the front of the line for some of the best truck driving jobs available.
Drivers that enter the trucking industry without professional training don’t last long. They can quickly become overwhelmed and are unable to meet the daily challenges that a truck driver faces. However, those with training from Diesel Driving Academy are fully prepared to meet those challenges and are given the skills necessary to find long-term and satisfying employment as a commercial truck driver.

Drivers with professional training are also more likely to be paid higher salaries as companies are willing to pay good money for a truck driver they believe will be a long-term employee.

If you are considering a job as a professional truck driver don’t make the mistake of attending some fly-by-night program or jumping into the field without the right skills and experience. Investing in a professional training program like Diesel Driving Academy offers will definitely payoff.

The commercial truck industry is one of America’s strongest job sectors and is often called the most recession-proof sector of the national workforce. The reason is because commercial trucks are in high demand, and even when times get tough, the work of a truck continues to be needed.

An example high commercial truck demand during tough times recently came in the upper Midwest when emergency waivers were issued for some trucks. In Iowa, Gov. Terry Branstadi announced 60-day waivers that lift the hours-of-service requirements in an effort to get more hay and straw into his drought-stricken state. The waiver also allows for trucks with certain shipments to be over width requirements without having to obtain a state permit.

A similar waiver was issued in Wisconsin this summer when Gov. Scott Walker lifted oversize and overweight fees for hay trucks. Like Iowa, Wisconsin is struggling with a major drought and commercial trucks are playing an important role in shipping much needed supplies and shipments into the state to help farmers battle the drought conditions.

Michigan Gov. Rick Synder began a suspension of hours-of-service requirements for fuel trucks as the state deals with a fuel shortage.

These situations highlight the important role commercial trucks play, especially during times of emergency and crisis. Unlike airplanes and trains, commercial trucks are flexible enough to take shipments to almost every corner of the country and even without droughts and fuel shortages, the commercial truck industry has been one of the most in demand industries, which means the demand for professionally trained truck drivers is also high across the country.

The commercial truck industry has been expiring rapid growth for the past few years and the future looks even brighter. Even before the economy began to show signs of improvement, the commercial trucking industry was already growing. Now that sectors like manufacturing and construction are starting to slowly grow, the truck industry is experiencing even more growth. The growth in the commercial trucking industry is causing many truck carriers to hire thousands of new drivers every month, but it is professionally trained drivers who are in the highest demand by carriers desperate to find more drivers.

Diesel Driving Academy offers a CDL training program that is helping job seekers start a long-term career as a professional commercial truck driver, which is especially needed in today’s era of high unemployment. Carriers all across the country are experiencing a shortage of qualified drivers, which makes professional training from a respected school like Diesel Driving Academy the logical first step in getting work in this growing industry.

If you are looking for a new job then the commercial truck industry might be the right fit for you.

Cargo shipped via commercial trucks increased last quarter, continuing a trend of growth in the commercial truck industry.

The For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index rose 0.4 percent compared to the previous quarter. The growth may seem small, but during a time when the overall American economy continues to look for positive signs following 2008’s recession, any growth in the commercial truck industry is positive news.

The index, which is put out by the American Trucking Associations, represents the change in tonnage actually hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment. In September, the advanced seasonally adjusted index equaled 118.7. Compared with September 2011, the index was 2.4 percent higher. Year-to-date, compared with the same period last year, tonnage was up 3.6 percent.

“I was encouraged that the seasonally adjusted index edged higher from August,” ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello said. Costello noted again this month that the acceleration in housing starts, which is helping truck tonnage, is being countered by a flattening in manufacturing output and elevated inventories throughout the supply chain.

Costello added that overall commercial truck tonnage is expected to post a 3.5 percent increase by the end of 2012.

The recent announcement is further proof that the commercial truck industry is growing. Because of recent growth, truck drivers are in high demand and many truck carriers are experiencing a shortage of professionally trained drivers who can help meet growing demand.

The commercial truck industry has been expiring rapid growth for the past few years and the future looks even brighter. Even before the economy began to show signs of improvement, the commercial trucking industry was already growing. Now that sectors like manufacturing and construction are starting to slowly grow, the truck industry is experiencing even more growth. The growth in the commercial trucking industry is causing many truck carriers to hire thousands of new drivers every month, but it is professionally trained drivers who are in the highest demand by carriers desperate to find more drivers.

Diesel Driving Academy offers a CDL training program that is helping job seekers start a long-term career as a professional commercial truck driver, which is especially needed in today’s era of high unemployment. Carriers all across the country are experiencing a shortage of qualified drivers, which makes professional training from a respected school like Diesel Driving Academy the logical first step in getting work in this growing industry.

If you are looking for a new job then the commercial truck industry might be the right fit for you. Receiving professional training from a respected program is the best way to get a high-paying job in the growing truck industry and Diesel Driving Academy offers some of the nation’s best CDL training.

Diesel Driving Academy is helping to put Americans back to work as the need for professionally trained commercial truck drivers continues to grow.

Millions of Americans are out of work and many are not just looking for a job, they are looking for a career. The difference is a career offers long-term stability, a change to advance with a company and the opportunity to make a good income. All of that and more is found in the commercial truck industry where carriers are desperately seeking more drivers to help them keep up with growing demand.

The demand on the commercial truck industry continues to grow and carriers are becoming flooded with business, but many are having a hard time keeping up as there are too few professionally trained workers than can help meet the demand. In fact, there is a competition among carriers for professionally trained drivers, making the jobseekers with professional training a hot commodity in today’s employment field.

The CDL training program at Diesel Driving Academy can be completed in a matter of months and recruiters help students find the perfect truck-driving job that meets their needs.

Diesel Driving Academy offers a CDL training program that is helping job seekers start a long-term career as a professional commercial truck driver, which is especially needed in today’s era of high unemployment. Carriers all across the country are experiencing a shortage of qualified drivers, which makes professional training from a respected school like Diesel Driving Academy the logical first step in getting work in this growing industry.

The commercial truck industry has been expiring rapid growth for the past few years and the future looks even brighter. Even before the economy began to show signs of improvement, the commercial trucking industry was already growing. Now that sectors like manufacturing and construction are starting to slowly grow, the truck industry is experiencing even more growth. The growth in the commercial trucking industry is causing many truck carriers to hire thousands of new drivers every month, but it is professionally trained drivers who are in the highest demand by carriers desperate to find more drivers.

Jobs may seem scarce across the country, but the commercial truck industry has more open positions than there are qualified drivers to take them. If you are one of the millions of Americans who are looking for work, especially a position that pays well and offers job security, then the commercial truck industry might be the perfect place for you.

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.

This article was posted on November 6, 2012 and can be read in full at truckinginfo.com/news/

American Trucking Associations released an analysis of the shortage of truck drivers, concluding that the current shortage is acute and limited primarily to the truckload sector of the industry; but that long-term trends could cause the shortage to explode in the next decade.

“Carriers and fleet executives have begun expressing concern about their ability to identify and hire qualified professional drivers,” ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello said. “With this report, we tried to identify where the impacts were being felt the most, why the shortage is increasingly worrisome and why it has the potential to get worse.”

In the paper, ATA said that while private fleets and less-than-truckload carriers may have some difficulty hiring drivers, the bulk of the shortage was confined to long-haul, over-the-road truckload carriers.

“ATA estimates the current shortage of drivers to be in the 20,000 to 25,000 range in the for-hire truckload market…on a base of roughly 750,000 trucks,” the report said, adding that if current trends continue, the shortage has the potential to grow to 239,000 over the next decade.

In addition to industry growth, retirements and drivers voluntarily changing careers, ATA believes certain government regulations – chiefly the yet-to-be-implemented hours-of-service changes and the federal government’s driver and carrier oversight program: Compliance, Safety, Accountability – will exacerbate the driver shortage, while the industry’s transition to electronic logging is unlikely to have a significant impact.

“On average, trucking will need to recruit nearly 100,000 new drivers every year to keep up with demand for drivers,” Costello said, “with nearly two-thirds of the need coming from industry growth and retirements.”

At DDA, we’re ready to help you start your career in the truck driving and transportation industry with a rewarding driving career. Contact us today to get enrolled in a CDL training program that fits your schedule.