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Driver shortage. The cause.

Discussion in 'Motor Carrier Questions - The Inside Scoop' started by Professional-Trucker, Jan 25, 2013.

Page 1 of 4
  1. Jan 25, 2013 #1
    Professional-Trucker

    Professional-Trucker Heavy Load Member

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    I just read the report the ATA put out on the driver shortage that threatens the industry by 2020. The industry will be short half a million qualified drivers in the next 5 years.

    Here's a list on some top reasons I know drivers quit the industry.

    1 The wife. She threatens to divorce if you continue trucking.

    2 Pay. First years pay is low and most quit the biz before learning the ropes.

    3 Dangerous. This job is risky. The weather. criminals looking to rob drivers etc.

    4 Boredom. Lots of hurry up and wait. Lots of waiting around sometimes.

    5 Loneliness. Its lonely out there.

    6 Working condition. Its a tough life to live, especially if your not used to it.

    7 Kids. They grow up without Dad. Some can't handle that.

    8 CSA2010. DOT is coming down with this new point system and most companies run eobrs. Drivers are hit with some points and get discouraged.

    9 Accidents. First year is critical to your career and some drivers are forced to quit the biz after minor fender benders involving parked vehicles or while backing and what not. Thanks to DAC reporting.

    10 Lack of training. People give up after being put out there not knowing what to do. Lacking company training on what to do. Like the simple how to's. On how to get reimbursements, trip planning, knowing basic company procedures. Leaving orientation without being properly orientated.
     
    Professional-Trucker, Jan 25, 2013
    Professional-Trucker, Jan 25, 2013
    #1
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  3. Jan 25, 2013 #2
    joseph1135

    joseph1135 Papa Murphy

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    Once I read an ATA report. And I broke out in a rash a caught a weird disease. There's no "driver shortage". Never has been. Never will be. What the ATA means to say is there is a lack of suckers ready to get on with their low paying, rate cutting, bottom feeder members. But they shorten it up and make it sound pleasant by calling it a "driver shortage".
     
    joseph1135, Jan 25, 2013
    joseph1135, Jan 25, 2013
    #2
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  4. Jan 25, 2013 #3
    Bayle

    Bayle Road Train Member

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    The same thing is said several times a year, ever since I started even looking into trucking close to 10 years ago. By 20xx, there will be x amount of driver shortage. Same with healthcare industry, specifically nursing.
     
    Bayle, Jan 25, 2013
    Bayle, Jan 25, 2013
    #3
  5. Jan 25, 2013 #4
    Elendil

    Elendil Heavy Load Member

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    Mar 27, 2011
    Ottawa, IL
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    Reasons 1-7 & 10 on your list can be applied as the top reasons the anyone quits any job. Nothing revealing here.............
     
    Elendil, Jan 25, 2013
    Elendil, Jan 25, 2013
    #4
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  7. Jan 25, 2013 #5
    123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    123456, Jan 25, 2013
    123456, Jan 25, 2013
    #5
  8. Jan 25, 2013 #6
    123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    123456, Jan 25, 2013
    123456, Jan 25, 2013
    #6
  9. Jan 25, 2013 #7
    OFTOTR

    OFTOTR Medium Load Member

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    Jul 19, 2011
    Toccoa GA
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    You had the same type of articles and crap floating around 20 years ago when the CDL was introduced.

    'We will lose a lot of drivers who can't read or take tests well'

    Next to nothing happened. Pay didn't come up. A few drivers vanished, we still have drivers out here who can't (or won't bother to) read english.

    Maybe more drivers (and companies) will be squeezed out this time, but I doubt things will change much. They're going to keep paying us as little as they can get away with, and getting us home as little as they can get away with, and there are always some people who are happy working 70 hours a week for pocket change, as long as they have a truck to sleep in, and that truck happens to be far away from the wife and kids.

    :biggrin_2559:
     
    OFTOTR, Jan 25, 2013
    OFTOTR, Jan 25, 2013
    #7
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  10. Jan 25, 2013 #8
    ralph

    ralph Road Train Member

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    The driver shortage is a myth

    If there truly was a shortage driver pay would have "skyrocketed" the last 20 years. What has happened to the price of hay the last two years due to the drought>It's through the roof! What happens to the price of oil when some one farts in Saudia Arabia? It goes up.

    If there was any truth to this myth do you think trucks and drivers would be sitting around for FREE! How much time is wasted every week by driver @ docks because shippers/receivers can't get their act together. IF the carrier had another load to put on you they would and they would tell the shipper jerking them around to screw off! The freight isn't there so they can't and don't! They take it in the shorts because they have to.

    I could go on and on about this but I believe I can make my point very easily with this comment. There's a very simple law in business, it's" the law of supply and demand">when there is big demand (drivers allegedly) and minimal supply (drivers allegedly) then the value of the item in demand goes up! Has your value/remuneration gone WAY UP from this shortage?
     
    ralph, Jan 25, 2013
    ralph, Jan 25, 2013
    #8
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  11. Jan 25, 2013 #9
    pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    All good reasons and so very true.
     
    pattyj, Jan 25, 2013
    pattyj, Jan 25, 2013
    #9
  12. Jan 25, 2013 #10
    Professional-Trucker

    Professional-Trucker Heavy Load Member

    820
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    Oct 31, 2011
    California
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    I agree with everyone. Driver shortage may also be some kind of marketing tool by using reverse psychology in keeping driver flow constant, which keeps rates low. Which means low driver pay, low rates for shippers/receivers, and higher taxes on the entire industry which keeps product at a low price for consumers.

    Higher the rates for shippers/receivers and that affects the whole economy.

    Our employers are not the only ones trying to skim off the top. I think the fed government keeps it that way. Why do you think fed ex cannot go union like ups? They are considered an airline. Ups tried twice I think to get approval for airline status to get rid of the union. But the feds won't grant them that status
     
    Professional-Trucker, Jan 25, 2013
    Professional-Trucker, Jan 25, 2013
    #10
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