| Trucking
Industry Experts Predict a Surge in the Requirement for Truck Drivers
Over the Next Eight Years |
| Driver
shortage by 2014 is expected to be over 110,000 |
| From the RD
News Desk |
| In October 2006, a study was completed
by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) that outlines
critical issues confronting the US trucking industry. The number one
concern was the shortage of skilled truck drivers to meet the growing
transportation demand over the next decade. Fuel issues were next,
followed by concerns over high driver turn over and retention issues. At
a cost of $4000-$8000 for driver recruiting and training it is an
obvious concern. |
| Jim McCormack, owner of
TruckerToTrucker.com is one of the many small businessmen that are
attempting to assess the impact of this study on their livelihood. While
the news that an increased demand for truck drivers probably means that
there will be an accompanying increase in demand for trucks, parts and
services is promising, it may not necessarily be the case. Other
industry trends and economic news needs to be carefully monitored to
determine the full impact of this forecast. |
| However, he states that it is hard to
ignore the fact that the ATRI study reports the driver shortage by 2014
is expected to be over 110,000. Additionally, according to industry
experts, driver compensation has increased to historic levels and in
some cases companies have had to turn down freight transportation orders
because of driver shortages. |
| The meaning of this information is
clear. Independent truck drivers as well as company drivers should
continue to be in demand with concomitant increases in benefits and
compensation. This will in turn sustain and increase the demand for
trucks, parts, services and equipment associated with the trucking
industry. |
| Report Sources: |
| http://atri-online.org/news/toptenconcerns.htm |
| http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/11/prweb483738.htm# |
