Putting drivers in seats still persists with a myriad of factors contributing to the shortage.
The trucking industry has experienced significant volatility in recent years, marked by fluctuations in volumes and rates. However, one issue has remained constant before, during, and after the “Freight Recession”: a significant shortage of truck drivers. The American Trucking Associations (ATA), the industry’s advocacy group, predicts a shortage of 115,000 truck drivers this calendar year. The shortage is projected to increase, with estimates suggesting it could reach 160,000 by 2030.
The US relites heavily on truck drivers, as they move roughly 70% of the nation’s freight. Consequently, a shortage of truck drivers may disrupt supply chains and affect consumers, particularly as expectations for rapid delivery increase alongside the growth of e-commerce.
Company Benefits to Attract New Drivers
At one time, carriers focused their marketing efforts on reaching potential customers. Today, many carriers advertise the benefits of joining their respective companies using social media and trucking job boards as a means of reaching drivers.
Once a driver is interested in a career with a carrier, some companies offer financial incentives. Including competitive pay, sign-on bonuses, and performance-based as well as health insurance and paid time off, are helping some carriers recruit and retain drivers.
Another area of focus is quality of life. Predictable schedules and routes allow drivers to spend more time at home. Newer, well-maintained trucks with modern amenities and technology improve driver satisfaction while also improving service.
As carriers make a concerted effort to improve the experiences of drivers, individual companies and industry associations, like the ATA, are working to address some of the most common pain points for drivers. A recent survey conducted by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) identified a lack of truck parking, extensive detention and delays, and being unable to access restroom facilities as top concerns.
Truck Parking Difficult to Find
According to industry sources, there is a significant imbalance between the number of trucks on the road and the available parking spaces. One study indicates that there is only one parking space available for every 11 trucks. The growing demand for goods, especially with the rise in e-commerce, is putting more trucks on the road, exacerbating the parking shortage.
Drivers often spend a significant amount of time searching for parking, leading to lost productivity. If a driver is detained at a shipper’s location long enough to impact the allowed Hours of Service, finding parking is critical to meeting regulatory requirements.
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) and Congress are taking steps to address the issue, including allocating funds to expand parking and implementing smart parking technologies. However, there is no easy fix. Increased investment in infrastructure, technology solutions, and policy changes are all parts of the solution.
Detention and Delays Impact Pay and Productivity
Driver delays and detention at shipping and receiving facilities continue to impact truck drivers and the companies they serve. On average, drivers are detained at 40% of stops, with even higher rates for drivers of refrigerated trucks, according to recent research by ATRI. These delays occur even when a driver arrives at the appointment time scheduled by the shipper.
The report notes that many drivers experience a two-hour delay, and six-hour delays are not uncommon. Some drivers report that they are not allowed to access restroom facilities by companies, regardless of how long they have been waiting at the shipper’s location.
In 2023, the for-hire trucking industry lost over 135 million hours due to detention, according to ATRI. This lost time resulted in $11.5 billion in lost productivity for the industry in 2023.
On average, truckload drivers lost between $11,000 and $19,000 in annual revenue due to detention in 2023. Truckload drivers are typically paid by the mile, not by the hour, so time spent waiting at docks translates directly into lost compensation.
One of the first steps in addressing this problem is quantifying costs and consequences to create awareness as a means of encouraging shippers and receivers to prioritize efficiency and implement strategies to reduce the amount of time trucks wait at their facilities.
The ATA and ATRI are advocating improved communication between carriers, drivers, shippers, and receivers to prevent delays before they occur. Increased detention fees for customers provide an incentive for shippers and receivers to operate more efficiently.
When communication and incentives do not result in improvements, ATRI recommends that carriers refuse to service customers who consistently cause detention. The same strategy may be necessary to ensure drivers are allowed access to restroom facilities while waiting at shippers’ and receivers’ facilities.
Industry groups are advocating changes, but regulatory or legislative processes can be lengthy. As a more immediate solution, carriers are actively recruiting drivers from non-traditional groups, including programs specifically designed to offer opportunities to individuals who have faced challenges in their past.
Second-Chance Carrier Programs New Source for Drivers
Carriers are offering a second chance to individuals with past criminal records through specialized programs. The criteria vary, with some companies being willing to consider drivers with felony or misdemeanor convictions, often with stipulations regarding the type of offense, the time elapsed since the conviction, and the driver’s overall record.
Drivers who have completed the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) program may also qualify for driving jobs with some carriers. The Department of Transportation (DOT)-mandated SAP program assists commercial drivers who have violated drug and alcohol policies in returning to safety-sensitive positions.
These programs are being offered on a case-by-case basis by Roehl Transport, C. R. England, USA Truck, Maverick Transportation, and other carriers.
Women Drivers Face Unique Career Challenges in Trucking
Women drivers are not new to the industry, but they only represented 4.1 percent of drivers in 2023, even though women make up 47.1% of the labor force. ATRI’s research indicates that not only do women face the same challenges as men regarding parking and detention, but other factors are impacting decisions by women to choose careers in trucking.
The most common issue identified by ATRI is gender discrimination and harassment. ATRI recommends that carriers address these concerns by creating clear policies with consequences for non-compliance. An open-door policy where women feel comfortable reporting issues without fear of retaliation is equally important.
The truck driver shortage is not a new problem, nor one with an easy solution. However, carriers and industry groups are actively working to make truck driving a career of choice.
