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| Driver Shortage |
You hear it all the time – there’s a driver shortage. Yet you look around, and there are still plenty of trucks out there.
Well, it’s not just that there is a shortage, it’s that the shortage is only going to increase as the industry ages.
Unfortunately, the industry needs around 48,000 drivers, and that number will only increase as the main working force continues to age.
So what is the best solution? Some experts are calling for a focus on recruiting younger hires and women drivers.
Women in Trucking
Admittedly, there are some physical differences between men and women that can prove challenging, according to Ellen Voie, President of the Women in Trucking Association.
But when you think about it, women make up 47% of the labor force, yet only 6% of truckers are women. This is what drives the Women in Trucking Association.
As it stands, your standard truck might be designed only with the male trucker in mind. But Voie is lobbying for changes, going as far as to meet with Peterbilt engineers earlier this year.
Voie also addressed the Future Truck Committee this year, where she said that the one-size-fits-all approach for trucks is likely costing companies the drivers they are in need of.
Young Truckers
In North America, the average truck driver age is over 47. More distressing is that this number has just been going up, and over 30% of the driving force is over 55.
Some think that the lifestyle just doesn’t attract the younger generation. Being on the road definitely limits you from friends and family, which can be a shock for the younger, more intertwined generation.
Which is why some drivers consider trucking a passion more than your standard job. You can’t deny, it definitely carries it’s own atmosphere and lifestyle ramifications.
As new truckers do come into the industry, let’s do them a favor and let them know the easiest way to get your stamped Schedule 1 is to e-file your HVUT 2290s with ExpressTruckTax.
How do you think the industry can attract new drivers? Let us know on Facebook (or) Twitter!