Throughout the history of the trucking industry in the US, the shortage of drivers has always been a problem. 

Do you know?

About 68% of freight is moved on US highways; that’s why a decline in the number of drivers affects the entire economy. Moreover, this shortage increases driver pay and impacts consumer pricing. Let’s not forget the deficits at stores and shipping delays that come with it.

Demographics of Workforce (Age, Gender)

One of the biggest factors that influences driver shortage is the demographics of the workforce, gender, and age. The trucking industry in the US relies on male drivers, usually 45 years or older.

According to BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), the average age of truck drivers in the US is 55 years. Unfortunately, we are approaching a dangerous cliff as there’s an alarming amount of increase in retirements.

If appropriate measures like hiring younger talent are not done on time, the trucking industry can suffer huge losses. 

Here comes another difficulty, as according to the federal requirements, a person should be 21 years of age to hold an interstate commercial driver’s license. Here possible employees become distracted by other job opportunities because there’s a 3-year post-high school gap.

Women make up almost 47% of our nation’s workforce, yet only 6% of them are in the field of commercial truck drivers. We have to make efforts and feel women are welcome in this field which is stereotyped as a macho job. 

Lifestyle 

Many people think that the truck driver lifestyle is not ideal, so most people don’t even consider this career an option. Adapting to living in a truck can be challenging for new drivers.

Being on the road also limits the options for healthy food and nutrition. Binge eating fast food and gas station snacks can have consequences. This high sugar, high-calorie diet can cause health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and stomach issues.

How to Fix Truck Driver Shortage?

Gillson Solutions cares about their employees, so we make sure that work hours are flexible, and with our policy solutions, we reduce driver shortage.

• Increase Driver Pay

We offer maximum benefits to our drivers through on-time payments and competitive pay. Moreover, bonuses are also provided to keep our drivers motivated.

• Flexible Work Hours 

The lifestyle issues are easily solved by flexible work hours, increasing time at home, and decreasing the time on the road. With our LTL facility, we keep our truckers more localized by reducing the length of haul.

• Welcoming Minorities and Women 

To reduce the driver shortage, the trucking industry should encourage women, minorities, and veterans to enter this field.

• Utilizing LTL Shipping 

OTR (on the road) and FLT (full -truckload) shipping methods are where the majority of driver shortage occurs as these methods involve that tough truck driver lifestyle and more time on the road. In contrast, LTL and parcel drivers come home due to flexible work hours.

Contact Gillson Solutions today or visit our website Gillson Solutions to know more about how we provide benefits to our drivers.