In many ways, the trucking industry is the lifeblood of the American economy. In fact, approximately 70 percent of the country’s freight tonnage is transported by truck. This requires about 3 million heavy-duty Class 8 trucks and more than 3 million drivers. Without the industry, the U.S. economy would come to a halt, which is why the current truck driver shortage is so concerning.
The Truck Driver Shortage
Since the 1980s, the trucking industry has struggled to keep itself staffed. During these years, deregulation caused the number of trucking companies to grow within the country, increasing the demand for drivers. In 2014, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported that the employment field needed 5.7 million commercial motor vehicle drivers. Of these 5.7 million drivers, the industry needs 3.9 million drivers to operate heavy-duty trucks.
Today, the industry counts approximately 48,000 fewer drivers than available truck driving jobs. To meet the growing demand, the American Trucking Association estimates that the trucking industry must hire about 890,000 new drivers through the year 2025. Meanwhile, the current truck driving population is aging at a rapid pace, making the industry desperate for fresh blood.
A Job Loaded with Benefits
If you’ve never considered a career in the trucking industry, now is the time to start. A variety of benefits accompany a job as a truck driver, from travel opportunities to flexible schedules to excellent job security (thanks to the truck driver shortage). These are just some of the many benefits of joining the trucking industry:
Job Security
One major benefit of the trucking industry is job security. Other employment fields may struggle to keep people working when the economy experiences a downturn. This isn’t the case in the trucking industry. For the foreseeable future, companies will continue to need trucks to move their merchandise. Despite the cost of fuel and adverse weather conditions that occur at certain times of the year, big rigs run 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Truck drivers are able to earn a paycheck when other people are cooling their heels, hoping for conditions outside of their control to change.
Flexible Scheduling Options
Many employers offer flexible work schedules for truckers. For instance, if you want to drive during the week and spend time at home with your family on the weekends, you will likely find a truck driving company that offers this type of schedule. Search around for a company that accommodates your scheduling preferences.
A Respectable Paycheck
While many employment fields require workers to have a college diploma in order to earn a decent salary, in the trucking industry, you can make a comfortable living as a driver without any degree at all. Before signing on with a company, be sure to investigate it to make sure that it treats its drivers as valued members. These companies tend to pay well. If you find yourself making less than expected, leave the company for one that pays better. They’re out there.
The Opportunity to See the Country
Truck drivers spend long hours traversing the nation’s highways. At some point, you will likely travel through mountain ranges, desert terrain, Midwestern fields, and historic towns. You may get to compare the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, and you can discover whether you prefer food from the Deep South, the East Coast, or the Southwest. While other people sit in an office from 9 to 5, you’ll be traveling near and far.
A Warm Welcome for Newbies
Even if you don’t have a background in driving big rigs, the industry will welcome you. Plus, it will typically do so without requiring a major financial investment. In fact, a number of states and trucking companies are willing to pay for your trucking education, so that you can acquire the skills needed to obtain your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Take Advantage of the Truck Driver Shortage
With the current driver shortage, there’s never been a better time to join the trucking industry. To start your career, enroll in a truck driver training program. You can learn everything you need to know at the Truck Dynasty Driving Academy, a professional truck driver training program that involves 120 clock hours and 3 weeks of professional driver training. In addition, current drivers can use the refresher course to sharpen and develop their skills. To get started, please give us a call at 417-831-8188, e-mail us at [email protected], or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!
