The Impacts of Commercial Truck Driver Shortage in US

When there are more opportunities to make a profit, most companies will grab it even at the expense of pushing beyond their limit. This is good in sales and marketing, but this scenario might lead to a catastrophic accident in the commercial truck industry.

Unfortunately, this is happening now. While the e-commerce store like Amazon, Walmart.com, and Alibaba are thriving, they will demand more for efficient delivery service. It will put more pressure on the truck and delivery industry. It’s a win-win situation if there is enough driver, but this isn’t the case here. According to American Trucking Associations (ATA) right now there is a 50,000 shortage of truck driver in the country, furthermore, it estimates that the industry needs more 898,000 drivers in the following decade.  

Why it’s happening

Although Tesla and other giant tech companies are developing the driverless car and truck, the problem is, it needs another decade or more before it can fully operate on the road. Right now it won’t be the solution for the driver shortages. We’ll need an increase in the number of people driving for carriers or getting their trucking authority as independent-operators.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average age of truck driver is 55 years old. Most people with the same skill chose to work in another industry, the solitary lifestyle of a driver didn’t help to attract them. The driving profession required to work long hours, spend a couple of weeks on the road and sleep on the truck. Furthermore, the salary isn’t competitive compared to the danger they are constantly facing on the road.

Some forward-thinking companies make their drivers salary competitive and offering more incentives and benefits, on top of that they improve their schedule, giving more day-off and other career advancements, all for the goal of attracting more driver. Unfortunately, they are minority part of the industry.

The dangerous consequence

Why would it be dangerous? Because some companies might accept some transaction beyond their capabilities and might tempted to loosen their hiring standard to fill-up the gap. This might lead to a devastating accident and loss of life, not to mention the extent of damage it could bring to other persons properties. Make sure you hire an experienced 18 wheeler attorney if you are involved in an accident.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), drivers with less than 5 years’ experience is 41% more likely to cause a crash when compared to the drivers with more than 5 years’ experience. On top of that, to keep their truck running some unscrupulous trucking companies will shorten their driver training. The combined hasty training and inexperience on the road is a recipe for disaster. This company won’t only endanger the lives of their driver, but also others driver who is sharing the road.

Impact on the economy

Somehow it will slow down the economy, this industry plays a major part in the prosperity of any nation. Inefficient transportation has a ripple effect, example; because of the truck shortage and possible delay in deliveries, the e-commerce store is now hiking their prime membership and others are increasing their delivery charge, and of course, the burden will fall to the consumer.

Conclusion

To weather this crisis the companies in this industry must work together to improve the attractiveness of the driving profession. Also, they must let go some profits for the sake of safety and common sense.