Why is there a shortage in truck drivers?

[Mattx]

The scarcity of truck drivers is a complex issue that has developed gradually, characterized by multiple contributing factors that intertwine like turns on a lengthy road.

Consider the trucking industry as a vital river that powers the economy. Now, envision this river slowly diminishing, not due to a singular drought but because of a variety of factors that have lessened its force. This scenario mirrors what is occurring in the trucking sector. At the core of this shortage is the aging demographic of truck drivers. As the average age of drivers increases, many experienced drivers are retiring, and there is a significant lack of younger individuals ready to step into their roles. This widening generational gap is leaving big shoes to fill that few are eager to step into.The demanding nature of truck driving is another deterrent. The job requires long hours on the road, often at the expense of time with family and friends, leading to a difficult work-life balance that can turn potential new drivers away. Economic considerations also influence this issue. Although there have been increases in pay for drivers, the compensation does not always reflect the job's demands. High turnover rates in companies highlight the industry’s challenges in retaining drivers, who may leave for more favorable opportunities. Infrastructure issues, such as insufficient truck parking and congested roads, further diminish the job's appeal and efficiency. Thus, the truck driver shortage is a result of an intricate mix of demographic shifts, economic pressures, lifestyle considerations, and infrastructural barriers. Addressing this problem requires a unified effort from all involved parties to overcome these challenges effectively.

 

Edited July 26 by Mattx

[Alloe]

Don't forget the people in key positions that have never driven in there life but think they can bullshit u into believing they know all about it just like one company I drove for a hr and safety who never been out on road telling newer drivers how to drive down mountains pass on ice and snow they never been there in there entire life and couldn't even drive the truck out of the yard between both them and today drivers are not truck drivers they are STERRING wheel holders they don't even know what a trucks atlas is they don't know how to shift a standard transmission all they know what them electronics the co order in the truck half them do don't even know how slide trailer axles so they can back in a place easy that why a lot real truck drivers left the industry including myself with 45 years 3months experience yes real truck driving is a ruff job not made for candyasses !!!!!!?

[Vimix]

That is the most insightful answer I have heard. It has a lot of truths. I don’t no the answer to the problem, but the river you reference is not drying up due to drought. Too many bleeds have been cut into it and society as a whole has ( for like of of a kind word to say) changed. It seems the younger generations have no real motivation. Half if not more of the work force are unnatural citizens who don’t understand or care how things are done. The core of the industry has not changed, but the politics of it has. The government and the bleeding hearts have regulated it so much that you would be insane to get into it. The pay is low the hours are long and the spirt is gone.

[Gar2]

Over the last 24 years, the cost of living has gone up 38.7%. The trucking industry has miserably failed to even make a half hearted effort to increase the cpm (cents per mile) for the driver's. You also hear from operation managers, you can be replaced because you driver's are a dime a dozen, this comes from an operation manager that makes 137k. a year to a driver being paid 47 cpm.