Dec 12, 2012 hiring a driver without a cdl is not the answer to the driver shortage. Jan 09, 2020 pocket guide to large truck and bus statistics overview. Critical issues in the trucking industry 2018 3 industry issues impact motor carriers and commercial drivers differently, this report includes separate top ten lists specific to commercial drivers and motor carriers, in addition to the overall ranking. The increased demand for drivers only adds to the increasing driver shortage the trucking industry is beginning to. Drivers, carriers have different concerns regarding driver. A shortage of drivers is the top trucking concern, overtaking how many hours truckers can drive in a day, according to an industry trade group. Driver shortage the only business resource dedicated to the. Driver shortage top collective concern in atri survey. The international program web page provides resources and guidance on the fmcsa regulations, hazardous materials regulations and safety requirements for motor carriers domiciled in the united states, canada, and mexico who operate, or are applying for authority to operate, beyond their own borders to transport international freight. The american trucking associations says the industry needs to hire. Nations shortage of truck drivers the number one concern.
The increase in the driver shortage should be a warning to carriers. There are many causes of the truck driver shortage. The driver shortage is already leading to delayed deliveries and higher prices for goods that americans buy. May 20, 2019 the federal motor carrier safety administration has issued a proposed rule to clarify the role of state drivers licensing agencies in closing a loophole in the federal drug and alcoholtesting. Why are so many owner ops getting their own dot motor. While a truck driver shortage is one reason factoring into truckload carrier capacity issues, there are many other problems that affect the ability for a motor carrier to supply adequate equipment and manpower to haul freight across continental north america. Driver shortage a new report by the american trucking associations claims that driver shortage is up 30 percent compared to 2014. For more information, visit the federal motor carrier safety administrations website. Motor carriers, who made up 51% of the 2,000 respondents, overwhelmingly picked the driver shortage, which the ata pegged at 60,800 at the end of 2018. Facing a critical shortage of drivers, the trucking. Before the invention of automobiles, most freight was moved by train or horsedrawn vehicle trucks were first used extensively by the military during world war i. To combat the shortage, many companies are looking for ways to gain an advantage over other carries that are competing for the same few commercial truck drivers. Ebbs in the economy will not necessarily solve the driver shortage. The industry needs about 48,000 more operators this year, a number.
Many were also establishing a corp or llc and utilizing additional professionals like accountants or attorneys. For every motor carrier, if you really care about the driver shortage and driver retention, youd better care whats on that driver list of issues, pointed out atri president rebecca brewster. Employment and social development canada esdc has announced a process to consider solidifying exemptions from new scheduling requirements for certain job classes in the trucking industry. Aug 08, 2019 these new motor carrier applicants also had a good understanding of trucking terms and definitions when they decided to establish their own new trucking companythey werent newbies. Driver shortage tops trucking industrys challenges for. Fmcsa targets cdls in bid to reduce truckings driver shortage. The market for good, quality drivers has been tightening for years and, according to the american trucking.
The economy, the trucking industry and the driver shortage a perfect storm of economic, industry and regulatory events are contributing to an industrywide shortage of qualified drivers, a challenge that could have lasting implications for the trucking. Why are so many owner ops getting their own dot motor carrier. Apr 30, 2018 the american trucking association, a trade group that represents fleet owners, said annual truck driver salaries rose between 15 percent and 18 percent from 20 to 2017. Jul 24, 2019 meanwhile, the federal motor carrier safety administration announced the same day ata published its report a proposed rule that would allow commercial driver license applicants to take the. With the increase in construction of paved roads, trucking began to achieve a significant foothold in the.
Hiring a driver without a cdl is not the answer to the driver. Trucking companies are recruiting from a shrinking pool of commercial truck drivers. How might the driver shortage impact the safety and transportation of cargo. Trucking industry was short more than 60,000 drivers. According to the american trucking associations, the lead lobbying group for the nations commercial trucking industry, there was a shortage of 50,000 commercial drivers in 2017, which was the. The federal motor carrier safety administration fmcsa wants to ease the process of obtaining a commercial drivers license cdl and also reduce costs for both potential drivers and licensing agencies within various states, american shipper reported. A truly qualified driver is becoming increasingly difficult to find. In the recent american transportation research institute report listing its annual top 10 issues for trucking, motor carriers listed the driver shortage and driver retention as the top two. Nations shortage of truck drivers the number one concern of. Jun 28, 2018 america has a massive truck driver shortage. Alabama to allow younger truck drivers trucking info. This concern displaces the number one concern of 2016 electronic logging devices eld.
Commercial auto and truckingrelated activities are also experiencing plenty of market pressure that keeps both motor carriers and insurance carriers alike from rejoicing. An eld synchronizes with a vehicle engine to automatically record driving time for easier, more accurate hoursofservice hos recording. Heightened security presents a challenge, particularly for carriers of hazardous materials. The trucking industry has affected the political and economic history of the united states in the 20th century. Categories trucking tags american trucking associations, cdl, commercial drivers license, commercial motor vehicle, federal motor carrier safety administration, federal motor carrier safety regulations, phsma, pipeline and hazardous materials safety administration leave a comment. Trucking industry struggles with growing driver shortage.
More than 2,100 commercial drivers and motor carriers across north america responded to the survey a 37% increase from 2018, according to. A major problem for the longhaul trucking industry is that a large percentage of these drivers are aging, and are expected to retire. Although the freight market has softened compared to the prior two years, motor carriers say they still need drivers. There are over 10 million cdl commercial drivers license holders in the u. Some sectors within the trucking industry have an even higher. Commercial carrier corporation ccc hiring truck drivers. Pocket guide to large truck and bus statistics fmcsa. Driver shortage the only business resource dedicated to. Survey says driver shortage, driver compensation top. No container or straight truck or trailer moves without, at some point, a truck driver.
Truck driver shortage is on course to double in a decade. Atri, the research arm of the american trucking associations, released the survey results oct. Motor carriers account for 64% of the total weight of freight moved as illustrated in our 2017 pocket guide to large truck and bus statistics. Outlined below are some of the primary reasons the industry is suffering from a truck driver shortage.
The report includes response from both professional drivers and motor carrier fleets. How drivers, carriers rank top trucking issues speaks volumes. Growing shortage of drivers remains top trucking industry concern. Truckers who are providing dedicated service under contract to specific shippers using an icc certificate. We decided to reach out to craig lack with carrier software the motor carrier data specialists craig is the data wizard of fmcsa and dot statistical analysis for the truck insurance market. Trucking industry was short more than 60,000 drivers in. These are 2 very important questions and you can use this list to start your trucking company or feel free to download the form below and print it out for your convenience. According to the american trucking association ata, it takes 3. Nov 01, 2017 for more information, visit the federal motor carrier safety administrations website. Trucking policy developments to watch in 2nd half of 2019. Adhere to applicable commercial vehicle driver qualification rules. Commercial motor vehicle manual florida highway patrol this manual serves as a guide for commercial motor vehicle drivers and carriers who transport goods and passengers in florida. Nearly every period of economic growth is accompanied by a driver shortage, including the recovery that began in 2009.
May 28, 2018 daniel gollnick is a truck driver in melrose, wis. Amid trucker shortage, trump team pilots program to drop. Growing shortage of drivers remains top trucking industry. Carrier engaged in interstate transportation of persons or property by motor vehicle on a forhire basis but under continuing contract with one or a limited number of customers to meet specific needs of each customer. The fear mongering used by the trucking industry to induce news coverage of a truck driver shortage is a tactic that has been used for decades. Austin, tx a perceived growing shortage of commercial motor vehicle drivers and potential changes to hoursofservice rules are the top issues affecting the trucking industry, according to an annual survey conducted by the american transportation research institute. The first proposal involves military licensing and state cdl reciprocity, allowing state licensing. Heightened security presents a challenge, particularly for. House republicans introduced a bill in march to lower the commercial truck driving age to 18 for anyone driving. Many new drivers, aside from being barelytrained to drive, are ill. More freight business means more exposure to claims stemming from accidents, more pressure on the industry to fill a growing number of driver positions, and an increased risk. For the second year in a row, the driver shortage is the topranked issue. A license which authorizes an individual to operate commercial motor vehicles over.
Survey says driver shortage, driver compensation top trucking. Established on january 1, 2000, the federal motor carrier safety administration was created as a separate part. Commercial carrier corporation ccc was originally founded in 1953 as a reliable shorthaul, appointmentoriented, intrastate motor carrier. Very few new hires are expected in the near future, resulting in a driver shortage.
Oct 31, 2017 the shortage of qualified truck drivers is the number one concern for motor carriers, according to a report issued october 24, 2017 by the american trucking research institute atri. Motor carriers and commercial drivers agree on just four of the top 10 challenges facing the trucking industry, according to the american. The american transportation research institute atri unveiled its. Categories trucking tags american trucking associations, cdl, commercial drivers license, commercial motor vehicle, federal motor carrier safety administration, federal motor carrier safety regulations, phsma, pipeline and hazardous materials safety administration leave a. Alabama to allow younger truck drivers drivers trucking info. In december 2015, the federal motor carrier safety administration fmcsa released its final rule requiring commercial trucking and busing companies to use electronic logging devices elds.
The shortage of qualified truck drivers is the number one concern for motor carriers, according to a report issued october 24, 2017 by the american trucking research institute atri. The canadian trucking alliance, a federation of the provincial trucking associations, representing over 4,500 motor carriers has formed a blue ribbon task force on the driver shortage to try and provide leadership in the daunting task of developing. Fmcsa develops and monitors the commercial driver licensing standards for drivers, carriers, and states. Even so, trucking companies, especially truckload carriers, often have great difficulty finding, hiring and keeping drivers. The driver deficit swelled by more than 10,000 to 60,800 in 2018 from a year earlier, according to a study by the american trucking associations. Survey finds driver shortage, hos rules again top list of trucking. Motor carrier respondents indicated the shortage and driver retention were once. The federal motor carrier safety administration counted 5.
Hearing the phrase driver shortage thrown about so much also sometimes leads new drivers to believe, wrongly, that they will be treated like kings and given wide leeway when it comes to. The trucking industry has faced a shortage of drivers for years, but the problem is compounded now with baby boomer retirements, increased freight demands and a high turnover rate. Developed by the federal, provincial and territorial governments, the nsc is a comprehensive set of 15 safety standards that covers all aspects of commercial vehicle, driver and motor carrier safety. For noncommercial users of the roadway, this issue has serious implications. Commercial carrier journal offers news, analysis and other information to managers of trucking companies and commercial truck fleets. Meanwhile, the federal motor carrier safety administration announced the same day ata published its report a proposed rule that would allow commercial driver license applicants to take the. Oct 07, 2019 motor carriers and commercial drivers agree on just four of the top 10 challenges facing the trucking industry, according to the american transportation research institutes atri annual study. This guide lists size and load limits, safety rules, and permits required by the state of florida. Commercial trucking industry trends hub international. According to the american trucking associations, the lead lobbying group for the nations commercial trucking industry, there was a shortage of 50,000 commercial drivers in. Every year, atri conducts a survey and distributes a report that. Intended as a compact reference, it is a compilation of statistics from the overall state of the industry to enforcement activity, details on traffic violations and.
Oct 29, 2018 for the second year in a row, the driver shortage is the topranked issue. While a recession would temporarily lower the demand for trucking industry workers, that could mask the severity of the driver shortage, the briefing adds. Arguments over driver shortage, compensation are actually pretty. Compass is a program to modernize fmcsas safety systems with new information technology systems.
Motor carriers and commercial drivers agree on just four of the top 10 challenges facing the trucking industry, according to the american transportation research institutes atri annual study the shortage of forhire, longhaul drivers was the top issue in atris annual survey that has taken the industrys pulse for the last 15 years. The truck driver shortage probably seems much worse to motor carriers than. The ata predicts that its likely to get worse in the coming years. Driver shortage, hos rules top atri list of industry concerns bulk. Motor carrier operating over definite routes between specified points with fixed terminal on regular schedule. Intended as a compact reference, it is a compilation of statistics from the overall state of the industry to enforcement activity. Shortage of drivers could probably more accurately read shortage of qualified drivers. Mar 31, 2020 ebbs in the economy will not necessarily solve the driver shortage. The most recent term, qualified driver shortage, has come about due to the implementation of the compliance, safety, and accountability program csa. An apparent shortage of drivers has been lurking in the industry news for a few years, now. While large motor carriers, such as those represented by the american trucking association and the trucking.
Survey finds driver shortage, hos rules top list of trucking. Pocket guide to large truck and bus statistics overview. The inability or unwillingness of trucking companies to keep driver salaries on pace with the rest of the workforce is also a big part of the shortage. Drivers shortage, service rules and pay top truckings concerns.
In the recent american transportation research institute report listing its annual top 10 issues for trucking, motor carriers listed the. Fmcsas 2019 pocket guide to large truck and bus statistics highlights the agencys role in collecting and analyzing data on large trucks and buses. The canadian trucking alliance, a federation of the provincial trucking associations, representing over 4,500 motor carriers has formed a blue ribbon task force on the driver shortage to try and provide leadership in the daunting task of developing a coherent direction for moving forward on the issue. Hiring a driver without a cdl is not the answer to the driver shortage. The shortage of forhire, longhaul drivers was the top issue in atris annual survey that has taken the industrys pulse for the last 15 years. However, according to figures released by the federal motor carrier safety administration, there are 455,000 new entrylevel cdl holders5 and 98,0006 reinstatements every year, which far exceeds the number of new drivers required by ata. Trucking industry struggles with growing driver shortage more than 70 percent of goods consumed in the u. Driver shortage tops trucking industrys challenges for third.
Survey finds driver shortage, hos rules top list of. Trucking companies that only move containers for shipping via rail, air or ship that are owned by a third party. First, as the ata study suggests, the driver shortage likely feels worse to motor carriers than the figures would suggest, because those figures dont address the issue of quality. Jul 24, 2019 the driver deficit swelled by more than 10,000 to 60,800 in 2018 from a year earlier, according to a study by the american trucking associations. Today, commercial vehicles play a critical role in the nations economy. Today, it is floridas largest intrastate truck line operating over 1,000 tractors and over 2,000 trailers throughout the southeastern united states. Federal motor carrier safety administration trucking jobs. Nov 05, 2018 austin, tx a perceived growing shortage of commercial motor vehicle drivers and potential changes to hoursofservice rules are the top issues affecting the trucking industry, according to an annual survey conducted by the american transportation research institute. The federal motor carrier safety administration has issued a proposed rule to clarify the role of state drivers licensing agencies in closing a loophole in the federal drug and alcoholtesting. Arti released the report during the american trucking associations management conference and exhibition under way here. Throughout the years, that percentage has steadily increased and we expect it to continue. Dec 12, 2018 in the recent american transportation research institute report listing its annual top 10 issues for trucking, motor carriers listed the driver shortage and driver retention as the top two.