Updated October 2022
In America, the average truck driver is a 48-year-old male—a decrease from 55 a few years ago, yet still means more drivers are retiring than coming into the industry. Coupled with America’s shortage of truck drivers, which is currently estimated to need 80,000 drivers and could rise to 160,000 drivers by 2030, there is a crisis in the trucking industry. As demand for delivered goods reaches an all-time high, this current and future void in the workforce is immediate and imminent.
To help meet rising demands, companies are finding new ways to attract young workers into the industry. The most efficient way of growing this industry is to harness the millennials hitting the workforce.
Here are a few ways companies are looking to do this:
Eligibility Restrictions
Most companies require you to be 21 or older to drive. Because of the age requirements for CDL licenses, there is a gap between high school graduation and driving eligibility.
Congress has recently introduced the DRIVE-Safe Act. If passed, this will help qualify more drivers quickly and efficiently by implementing an apprentice program for those under the age of 21. This will create job opportunities for 18- to 21- year olds without the fear of college debt.
Pay Increases
As the demand continues to rise, salaries will too. The median pay for a truck driver is currently $77,791. This can be very lucrative for young workers. Companies are implementing new sign-on bonuses for drivers, which can reach as high as $10,000. According to the National Transportation Institute, drivers with private fleets earn as much as 36% more than their for-hire counterparts. The NTI predicts that per-mile pay will increase dramatically in the coming years.
Less Time on the Road
Unfortunately, the truck-driving lifestyle is often a turn-off for young workers and can be a safety hazard. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has implemented a new mandate to cut down on the hours a worker can drive. This will lead to more productivity and less fatigue. Combining this with the rise of more regional and local truck driving jobs, the industry is trying to become a better place to work.
DriveCo Learning Center is a top choice in CDL Training that will allow you to take advantage of the growing benefits for truck drivers. Now is the perfect time to begin your career in this adapting field. Learn more by contacting us today.
