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Truck driver shortage: can we expect higher salaries?

The truck driver shortage has grown through the years and is alarming now. Let's understand the matter and see how to make the best of it!

The truck driver shortage could indicate a significant pay increase

Truck driver sitting in cockpit holding the steering wheel
A crisis doesn’t have to be so for everyone! If you want to hop onto the truck-driving enterprise, now is the time! Source: Unsplash

According to the American Trucking Association, the industry is facing a truck driver shortage of more than 60,000. This could mean good news for truck drivers in terms of compensation.

With such a high driver demand, trucking companies may offer higher wages to attract and retain drivers.

Truck driving towards the camera

Trucking companies are offering high-paying jobs

Companies are offering high-paying jobs and paid training today. Why is this happening?

In addition, the driver shortage could lead to more job security for truck drivers. With so few drivers available, companies will be reluctant to let go of experienced drivers.

So if you’re thinking about becoming a truck driver, now may be the time to do it. Let’s understand the matter better to know if it would be the right one for you!

Why is there a shortage of truck drivers in the US and Canada?

The trucking industry is facing a significant shortage of drivers, which could lead to higher pay and greater job security for those who enter the profession.

At the moment, it is affecting both the United States and Canada. This is due to several factors, including the current state of the economy and the changing demographics of the trucking industry.

In recent years, the trucking industry has experienced a boom in demand, thanks to the growth of online shopping and the rise of just-in-time delivery.

However, this increase in demand has not been matched by an increase in the number of truck drivers. At the same time, the average age of truck drivers is increasing.

Additionally, fewer young people are choosing to enter the profession. As a result, trucking companies are struggling to keep up with demand.

The truck driver shortage is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, so if you’re thinking about becoming a truck driver, now is a great time to start your training.

How many truck drivers are necessary to fulfill the demand?

The truck driver shortage is becoming more alarming with each passing day. Trucking companies have difficulty finding enough drivers to keep up with demand.

The American Trucking Association estimates that the trucking industry is short by about 60,000 drivers. And it’s only going to get worse.

The ATA predicts that the truck driver shortage will reach 175,000 by 2024. As a result, trucking companies have difficulty attracting new drivers.

If the truck driver shortage continues to grow, it could significantly impact the economy.

Truckers are responsible for transporting 70% of all freight in the US and Canada, so if there aren’t enough drivers to do the job, it could lead to higher prices for consumer goods.

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What does the shortage mean for truck drivers?

Truck cockpit view of the road ahead
The road ahead is long and sometimes lonely, but if you want to become a truck driver, go for it! Source: Unsplash

For anyone looking to enter the trucking industry, now is the time. Due to the driver shortage, trucking companies offer higher wages and better benefits to attract new drivers.

Since the truck driver shortage has been steadily increasing for years, reaching a record high in 2018, opportunities abound.

As a result, trucking companies are at a loss while facing difficulties meeting the demands of their customers.

As in any profitable market, with high demand and low supply, truck drivers are in a position to negotiate for higher wages and better benefits.

For anyone considering a career in trucking, now is the time to take advantage of the truck driver shortage and boost that career to a new level.

What is the average truck driver’s salary?

Truck drivers in the United States earn an average salary of $77,000 annually. This salary is market-competitive and reasonable, especially given the skills required to do the job.

Truck drivers must have a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and be able to operate a large vehicle safely.

Those interested in becoming a truck driver should research the requirements for obtaining a CDL and consider the job’s pros and cons before making a decision.

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What are the requirements to become a truck driver?

Truck seen from the side of a bridge with the sunset starting above
The vistas and places you never knew could exist just waiting for you! Get a CDL, and find them out there! Source: Unsplash

As we said, you need a CDL to be a truck driver and a vast set of skills. Truck driving isn’t for everyone, but if you’re up for the challenge, it can be a rewarding career.

There are many types of trucking jobs, from hauling hazardous materials to delivering food or other types of freight.

Some truckers even specialize in transporting oversized loads on flatbed trailers.

No matter what type of trucking job you’re interested in, there are specific requirements you’ll need to meet before you can hit the open road.

First and foremost, you’ll need to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). You’ll need to pass a written exam and a skills test to get a CDL.

The written exam will test your knowledge of basic trucking laws and regulations, while the skills test will assess your ability to operate a tractor-trailer safely.

Once you have your CDL, you’ll also need to obtain insurance and maintain your vehicle correctly.

In addition, it’s essential to stay up-to-date on current events affecting the trucking industry, such as new regulations or changes in fuel prices.

By meeting these requirements, you’ll be on your way to becoming a successful truck driver, to collect multiple successful deliveries all around the US!

How to find a job as a truck driver?

There are a few avenues to pursue when looking for a job as a truck driver. The first is to contact trucking companies directly and inquire about open positions.

Many trucking companies have an online presence, so you can easily do this from the comfort of your own home.

Another option is to look for job postings on websites like Indeed or Craigslist.

Finally, you can network by attending job fairs or connecting with industry professionals through LinkedIn.

By taking a proactive approach and pursuing all of these options, you will increase your chances of landing a truck driving job that is the right fit for you.

And after you find a job, how to make sure it’s right for you?

Firstly, we’d need to try and understand if truck driving could present a lousy work environment for you.

As we said above, it’s not a profession for everyone, and you should consider the downsides before applying.

In our next post, we’ll go over toxic work environments, and although a truck’s cockpit might be an unusual workplace, it’s certainly not free from lousy work practices! Check it out!

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Toxic work environment: learn how to identify it!

Have you wondered what the main toxic work environment signs are? The Mister Jobs team will review some of them in this post, giving explanations to these common issues!

About the author  /  Pedro Pansutti

Pedro is a Translation graduate, writing enthusiast, and all things creative aficionado. Using simple and uncomplicated writing, he seeks to convey vital information to those in search of a stable job position or just to those who want to be happier doing what they love.

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