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Why does trucking merit the need for so many drivers?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by trknfool, Jan 16, 2013.

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  1. Jan 16, 2013 #1
    trknfool

    trknfool Bobtail Member

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    Even as the economy is on slow recovery, one would think that any jobs which need to be filled would be easy to fill. However, the trucking industry seems to be an exception. Why you may ask? Well, companies in America are projected to create nearly 120,000 truck driving jobs annually through 2016. Ironically, however, the amount of people training to become part of the trucking industry is approximately 10 percent of what is needed for the increased demand.
    To begin, on issue is that veteran drivers are being pushed to retire. This increased pressure comes from recently implemented safety regulations in 2010. These regulations monitor driver’s work hours, implement random drug tests, and track any tickets and traffic citations a driver receives while working.
    So, why does trucking merit the need for so many drivers? The simple answer is that the trucking industry accounts 80 percent of cargo in our country. Basically, if there are enough drivers to get products where they need to be; then the increased travel time will eventually affect the consumer, by driving product prices up.
    If the need is there, but not the interest . . . what could be the problem? Is it a matter of income potential? Well, that depends on your theory of a well-paying and life sustaining job. Statistically, truck drivers can earn a fair wage, if not more. The median yearly wage for tractor-trailer drivers, according to the Department of Labor, is nearly $40,000. Additionally, some truck drivers can earn nearly $100,000 a yearly. However, the current generation, of prospective drivers, are not easily enticed into the challenges of the occupation; mainly long driving hours and a great deal of time away from your family.
    Therefore, to allure potential drivers, some trucking companies are becoming creative. Some ways companies are recruiting prospective drivers is by higher wages, more cents per mile, paying trucking school tuition costs, etc. Some have even gone so far as to work with drivers to find the shortest possible routes to get drivers back to their families in a quicker fashion.
    As shown, the need for truck drivers in the coming years is going to increase dramatically. It takes a special breed to be able to handle life on the road, long hours, and extended times away from loved ones. However, if you’re looking for job security, this may be one of the best options out there!
     
    trknfool, Jan 16, 2013
    trknfool, Jan 16, 2013
    #1
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  3. Jan 16, 2013 #2
    rockyroad74

    rockyroad74 Heavy Load Member

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    In a way, I think it's better to get the newer generations into trucking. They are more outspoken, articulate, and less likely to "accept" the old way of doing trucking. The old way being 4 weeks out and 4 days off.

    What drivers are willing to accept is what will be; because trucking is very necessary and truckers are needed.
     
    rockyroad74, Jan 16, 2013
    rockyroad74, Jan 16, 2013
    #2
  4. Jan 16, 2013 #3
    oldyankee

    oldyankee Light Load Member

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    What driver shortage-you send a resume with over 20 yrs exp, a clean license with no accidents and a TWIC card and get " no thanks, we don't need someone with your background", don't even get to fill out the application..lol
    It's all about hiring drivers for low pay now.
     
    oldyankee, Jan 16, 2013
    oldyankee, Jan 16, 2013
    #3
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  5. Jan 16, 2013 #4
    rockyroad74

    rockyroad74 Heavy Load Member

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    There are lot more of these characters out here since the whole economy took a dump. These are business people who did well with small shops in a good economy. They wake up one morning and say, Hey lets start a trucking company or brokerage. It's recession proof.

    Problem is the margins are a lot thinner than most other businesses they are accustomed to running. How do they pay themselves enough without working too hard? They take it by going cheap on equipment, and hire immigrant drivers. Yeah, it may suck a little for the rest of us but at least they can be at little Suzie's softball games while we work harder on theses "job creators" behalf.

    This is a good reason to go buy your own truck.
     
    rockyroad74, Jan 16, 2013
    rockyroad74, Jan 16, 2013
    #4
  7. Jan 16, 2013 #5
    DirtyBob

    DirtyBob Road Train Member

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    Create 120,000 jobs? Now that's a joke. Refilling positions is more accurate. There is no driver shortage, just a lack of driver retention.
     
    DirtyBob, Jan 16, 2013
    DirtyBob, Jan 16, 2013
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  8. Jan 16, 2013 #6
    ralph

    ralph Road Train Member

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    Absolutely correct DirtyBob.

    The fleets suffer from driver churn, all they need to do is do a better job of hiring and their churn will subside.

    Driver shortage my butt!
     
    ralph, Jan 16, 2013
    ralph, Jan 16, 2013
    #6
  9. Jan 16, 2013 #7
    123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    40 years ago,

    a group of about 8 of us started out as truck drivers.

    All 8 of us made a career of it.



    In todays world, maybe1 would last.

    That IS why they need so many replacements !!!!
     
    123456, Jan 16, 2013
    123456, Jan 16, 2013
    #7
  10. Jan 16, 2013 #8
    Jumbo

    Jumbo Road Train Member

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    Where are all these new articulate drivers? Oh, you mean the guys filling their DEF tanks with washer fluid?
     
    Jumbo, Jan 16, 2013
    Jumbo, Jan 16, 2013
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  11. Jan 16, 2013 #9
    muledriver

    muledriver Light Load Member

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    How many different jobs did you have in twenty years ?
     
    muledriver, Jan 16, 2013
    muledriver, Jan 16, 2013
    #9
  12. Jan 16, 2013 #10
    interdude

    interdude Light Load Member

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    actually, it is very easy to make a mistake(s) and you are suddenly history, that alone is a massive disincentive,

    the reason there is a constant need for drivers is cos there are so many disincentives for most and the deck is stacked massively against the person doing the work,

    so you have an inbuilt churn mill with a never ending turn over rate, always looking, focused and needing new suckers

    job security? if that's one of the best options out there i say forget it, more like a means to an end with most passing thru, at best
     
    Last edited: Jan 16, 2013
    interdude, Jan 16, 2013
    interdude, Jan 16, 2013
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