Truck driver scarcity has heightened in the past decade, and now shippers are finding alternative solutions to navigate the shortage. In 2021, The American Trucking Association (ATA) reported a shortage of 80,000 truck drivers in America. If this pattern continues on its current trajectory, the deficit may surpass 160,000 truck drivers by 2030.
Why Is there a shortage
The drivers age may have a direct correlation to the shortage of truck drivers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the average age of truck drivers is 55. This may mean that a large number of drivers are nearing retirement and have retired in the past decade. Meanwhile, it is becoming challenging to hire younger CDL licensed drivers. There wasn’t just a shortage in drivers but an increase in the demand to move freight.
Covid-19 created a situation where the number of products shipped worldwide rose significantly. The increasing demand happened during a period when the amount of trucking was already declining. Because of this, shippers are currently trying to attract truckers to the industry to reduce the shortage. Companies are offering attractive amenities and compensation to attract truckers and keep current truckers as well.
What does this mean for shippers
Some of the prominent people affected by the trucking shortage are the shippers who need their goods moved. With the number of available truck drivers becoming scarcer, the cost to use a driver may go up. A lesser number of drivers also means that the picking up and delivery of the freight may decrease. The customers of shippers may be affected as well since many supply chains are dependent on trucking.
Other solutions
The shortage created an urgency for shippers and trucking companies. Trucking companies have started to hire more drivers at a rapid rate to work around the deficiencies. There have been attempts to manage the current truckers in the industry to match the shortages as well. Companies have also added more elasticity to drivers’ schedules which helps protect against driver unavailability and helps ease dock schedules.
The Truckers’ ETA (estimated time of arrival) is also being managed with more efficiency. The purpose is to protect against any disruptions in the supply chain by adjusting to changes that may occur. If a trucker cannot fulfill an ETA, having another driver readily available can help streamline the supply chain. The trucking industry has also introduced new technology to collect information in real-time. Data such as ETA info, trucker availability, and turnaround times may be readily available to improve transportation management.
A1 Freight Solutions
Trucking is a component of most supply chains when shipping internationally. When the freight arrives at the airport or seaport, trucks transfer it to the final destination. A1 Freight Solutions is in touch with the premier carriers specializing in delivering your goods safely and timely. If you have freight that needs to be moved, contact us at 305-821-8995 to give you a quote. We also provide local pickup, local delivery, and white-glove services for bringing the goods inside your location with special attention.