America needs more professional drivers. The American Trucking Association estimates the current industry shortage to be 80,000 drivers, and expects it to double by 2030, further undermining the profession’s stability and the U.S. supply chain. Americans also recognize the importance of this workforce, as 96% of us say that truck drivers are essential to the economy.
This shortage comes amid increasing demand for freight, backlogs in licensing and training and an aging workforce. While the average age of new drivers is 35, the average age of all drivers is 47, which means the rate of incoming recruits is not high enough to offset coming retirees.
The American Transportation Research Institute proposed the following strategies:
1. Enact legislation to lower the eligible age for commercial driver’s licenses from 21 to 18
2. Engage high school students by adding truck driving electives and apprenticeships, and focus recruitment on graduating seniors
3. Expand work visas for qualified drivers from other countries
These are thoughtful and pragmatic solutions which can be supplemented in additional ways.
