The Driver Shortage Myth

Closer to $100 in NY and Chicago.

 

Most of you are drivers, and one truck owners, try being a fleet owner and see what really is happening.

I used to run ads and I would get 100 to 300 applications in a month, and this was when there was a huge driver shortage a few years back.

As mentioned if we had one, we would see freight piling up on the docks - which we don't, we would see an average of $6 to $7 per mile loads - which we don't, and we would see more lowering of the standards of hiring by the FMCSA and congress - which it is just the opposite.

 

I am sitting here bored as all get out. So I will comment on this topic again. There is NO truck driver shortage period. (If there was company drivers would be making $1.00 per mile) What there is a shortage of is. Driver's willing to spend days, weeks, months, on the road. While being paid 1980's rates. Companies good or bad that pay their drivers properly. Do not have a shortage, in fact they have waiting lists. Lists of 10-15-20 year 1,000,000 or more mile safe accident free low csa a score drivers.

The driver myth comes from ata and ata member companies. Who refuse to pay correctly. Who offer a penny or two more and call that a BIG raise. These companies actually want people (mainly the govt) to believe this so called shortage exists. That way they can get more b1b visas to bring in foreign drivers. Who will live in the truck for 6-8 months. Then go home and live good "in their country" off of the 1980 rates they were paid. These companies also want to lower the it's del drivers age to 18. Because at 18 after working fast food or lawn care. While making $200 a week. These kids will take that big $600 check, and swear they landed on oz.

 

Good comment

 

What do you mean, and where is the misplaced capacity?

 

Driver shortage equals lower wages and rates ...period.

Exactly what we need, 18 yr old males whose brains are not yet fully developed interacting w those of us just trying to make it out alive.

Good jobs are out there and perseverance will pay off. Those employers don't have to advertise or use CL. Look who old timers work for.
Pay your dues, get your experience but most of all build a clean resume.
You can find the money.
It may not be a dream job but 100K+ each year when most don't pull half that is a start.
It certainly is easier to put up with the bs we see every day when your being compensated fairly.

And the ATA...don't even get me started...smh
My advice would be not to work for an ATA member company or to leave as soon as you can upgrade.

 

Many mega top brass leaders are on record stating that their goal (target) is for their average driver to log 2,300 miles/wk (solo or team operation driver). Think about that. Consider how much freight the megas collectively are responsible for and how much influence they have in “policy”

 

I'm glad the school system promotes college and craps on the skilled trades. Means bigger shortage of trades people (which means bigger $$$$ in the trades).

 

That's why my oldest is going to the career center in our area for the last 2 years of high school. They teach the kids about all the different aspects of working.

 

Driver shortage equals lower standards then wages and rates because you get what you pay for.
Far too many of the current drivers are just looking for a means to earn money and don't really care about being professional. We have over 100 drivers working out of this terminal and they run the gamete from knowledgeable professionals to the proverbial steering wheel holders. Some won't let you in their truck with your shoes on and others...... well, you wouldn't want to get in without your boots on, and they don't own the truck.
The funny thing is, they all believe they know their job better than the next guy and management are morons.