US Driver Shortage Continues

Over the next 8 years, the shortage is expected to rise to more than 174,000 drivers. The entire Class 8 truck market, which includes other heavy trucks, saw a shortage of more than 270,000 in the second quarter of 2018.

Reasons for the shortage, range from low pay, the workforce rapidly retiring and younger generations that aren’t keen to pursue a lonely job that can require weeks or months on the road.

According to Cass Information Systems, which tracks freight transactions, costs have risen nationwide as long-haul truck shipping rates were 10 percent higher in July year-over-year, excluding fuel costs.