Over the past few years, an increase in carriers has led many to believe in an unreal truck driver shortage. A scarcity of drivers has been a recent hot topic in the domestic transportation industry. The American Trucking Association (ATA) reported a shortage of nearly 80,000 truck drivers in the U.S. in 2021. One of the most significant causes of the decline in drivers is because of the coronavirus pandemic increasing demand. The trucking industry could not keep up with the need to move domestically. Another issue is that many workers are getting older and retiring, and fewer younger people are becoming truckers. A recent belief in the trucking industry is that the shortage does not exist.
Why Is There An Unreal Truck Driver Shortage?
Although there have been reports of a decrease in drivers over the past years, many believe there is an exaggeration in the shortage. Since 2019, the number of trucking carriers in the U.S. reportedly grew to 45%. The same period also saw truckload demand increase by only 11%. Rather than a shortage, the current conditions may be due to not enough freight for the overwhelming capacity. When the ATA made the report of an 80,000 driver shortage, they may have neglected small, independent fleets. The ATA consists of mostly midsize to larger-sized fleets, which has seen a decline in the last few years.
As drivers for larger fleets began decreasing, the number of smaller mom-and-pop trucking companies grew. The current trucking market has approximately 2.9 million carriers on the roads presently. Out of that number, nearly 41% are in fleets with more than 100 trucks. In 2010, that amount was around 54% of the total carriers, showing a significant decline. Over the last decade, small and owner-operated trucking has become more attractive. Some reasons include unfavorable working conditions that large fleet operations may have and days away from home. While there are still fewer drivers than the existing demand, the belief is that a capacity correction is underway.
The Need For Trucking Will Continue To Grow
The demand for trucking that the coronavirus pandemic helped increase is still present today. Fewer barriers to entry meant that minor, independent fleets could enter the market and get a piece of the pie. Despite larger fleets having a shortage of workers, there still is a need for the carriers to ship domestically. Companies may attract new drivers by offering excellent incentives and flexible work hours. While the demand for shipping may continue for years, the industry tends to cycle. When the boom is high, the bust can also be substantial.
With the demand for domestic transportation continuing to grow, it may be attractive for new shippers to be part of. Individuals and businesses could see it as an opportunity to move goods and products thousands of miles away. The shipping process may not be as simple, especially when starting, and sometimes may not go as smoothly as planned. Using a freight broker is the best way to safeguard the success of your delivery while finding the best rates. Contact A1 Freight Solutions at 786-375-9420 or info@afsincinc.com to speak to a broker regarding starting your shipping journey. We are in contact with a network of carriers prepared to move your goods anywhere in the U.S.