As the world continues to recalibrate amid the Covid-19 pandemic, many industries are facing unforeseen issues.
The transportation industry is not immune. While the pandemic has created hurdles, this is not the lone problem.
According to an interview with CNN, President and CEO of the American Trucking Association, Chris Spear, confirmed the trucking industry is 80,000 drivers short.
While this figure represents a 30% spike in pre-pandemic shortages, the record total is a climbing number.
Spear went on to offer an estimate, suggesting the labor shortage could grow into the millions within the next decade.
So, what is causing the lack of trained drivers?
According to Spear, the trucking industry has fallen victim to driver turnover. A large portion of this shortage can be attributed to experienced drivers reaching the retirement age. The rate of retirement alongside the increased appeal of “contactless” consumerism, has created a growing demand in freight. With a shrinking number of drivers this demand cannot be met.
You might be thinking to yourself; “Every industry is subject to turnover, where is the next wave of drivers?
The answer is, there are many reasons why younger generations are choosing not to drive;
Low/Unfair Compensation:
In the past, the appeal to drive transport was the long hours accompanied with hourly wages. However, in today’s world the average driver is paid mileage. While this may be profitable for some, many drivers sit idle in traffic or at the border without earning a dime.
Harsh Government Restrictions:
Each governing body institutes laws to ensure loads are delivered safely. However, these laws can be very detrimental to the day-to-day operations of a driver.
One of the largest complaints we get from drivers are the restrictions put in place by the Electronic Logging Device (E.L.D.) installed in their truck. Although these devices are put in trucks to log hours and ensure driver safety, the log does not consider down time. This can cause a multitude of problems for drivers who are forced to stop for unforeseen repairs.
Level of Risk:
Trucking is an international “24/7/365” business. Unfortunately, that means work conditions are subject to all types of weather. In addition to this, drivers are also responsible for the largest vehicle on the road while carrying a wide variety of loads. All of this carries a large amount of risk that many potential drivers are not willing to take on.
Lifestyle Disadvantages:
To be frank, young men and women are not interested in spending countless hours on the road away from family and friends.
Here at Verduyn Tarps we wanted to investigate what our clientele believes to be the root cause of the labor shortage. That’s when we noticed a trend:
Verduyn Tarps is focused on providing quality freight solutions that allow the driver to get the job done safely. That focus shows in our polls results.
At Verduyn Tarps we are excited to help any and all new drivers curb the labor shortage in the safest way possible. Our Eagle Tarp retractable system is constantly undergoing improvements as we continue to strive to provide the safest and most efficient kit on the road. We do this because we know it makes a difference.
As Steve mentioned in the video, something as simple as an appropriately sized door is a safety feature Verduyn is happy to provide.
Another important safety aspect that is featured on each and every Eagle system is the ability to keep your boots on the ground. The rear closure hooks installed on each system include a long handle and strap, designed to allow the driver to safely close the system from the ground.
Without the need to climb onto your deck to tarp different sized loads, the Eagle Tarp system offers a safe and efficient way to cover any load you carry.
President and CEO of the American Trucking Association told CNN that 71% of the goods transported in the US are on transport trucks. This proves that there is money to be made for those willing to get behind the wheel.
If you are interested in being a part of the solution to this problem and make some money in the Trucking Industry, Verduyn Tarps wants to help. More importantly, we want to help you do so safely.
