TRUCK
SHORTAGE
Current Truck Driver
Shortage Statistics
The trucking industry turnover rate was
87% in 2017.
Current shortage is
48,000 drivers.
If trends remain the same, the truck driver shortage could be
330,000 by 2024.
REASONS FOR THE TRUCK DRIVER SHORTAGE
-
DIFFICULT HOURS
Truck driving requires long and abnormal hours of work.
-
AGING WORKERS
The majority of truck drivers are within a decade of retirement.
-
MILLENNIAL DISINTEREST
Younger drivers are not replacing old workers.
-
LOWER PAY
Stifling regulations and higher gas prices have decreased wages.
-
REGULATION
Standards on driving hours and safety rules are difficult to maintain.
-
GENDER GAP
Only 6% of truck drivers are female.
Truck Shortage and Distracted Driving
Increased distractions like texting-while-driving, Bluetooth, streaming videos, etc. are available to truck drivers.
Driver distraction is a top concern for truck drivers and regular motorists.
Inattentive driving is a side effect of increased hours and less sleep.
EFFECTS OF TRUCK DRIVER SHORTAGE ON TRAFFIC SAFETY
Inexperienced drivers
Younger or unqualified drivers hired to offset the shortage are a risk on the road.
Drowsy Drivers
Truck drivers are working longer hours with less sleep.
Malfunction or Accident
Fewer drivers require more trips per driver and truck, resulting in increased wear-and-tear.
Sources:
http://ltxsolutions.com/truck-driver-shortage-causes-problems-solutions/
https://www.freightwaves.com/news/driver-shortage-ata-estimates
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/13/heres-what-its-like-to-be-a-woman-truck-driver.html
https://atri-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/ATRI-Top-Industry-Issues-2018.pdf
