By now, you’ve probably heard the reports of a potential truck driver shortage that is projected to hit late 2010. Ok, so I know you have. Well, the reports are still filing in. One CNN story, which aired on June 9th, made major waves in the mainstream media about the industry.
Several factors have been attributed to a potential driver shortage: fewer fresh recruits to replace retiring drivers, increased production placing a higher demand on drivers, CSA 2010 legislation, and its potential to eliminate a percentage of the driver pool. The list goes on.
In regards to production, the ISM Report on Business continues to show growth across all major aspects of the manufacturing industry. In addition, ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello states that despite a slight slump in May, tonnage is still gradually increasing.
On the driver’s front, many trucking journals attribute a lack of interest in truck driving to time away from home and low pay. Rumors of pay increases continue to filter through the industry as an incentive to attract new drivers. Whether or not there will be remains to be seen. Also, CSA 2010 still looms in the background, which some categorize as stifling to the industry, and which has the potential to ward off interest from potential new drivers.
