The trucking industry employs more than eight million people in the United States, and about 3.5 million of them are professional truck drivers. These numbers are significant, as it means that this group is one of the biggest employers in the country.

1. Centerline Drivers
The United States Needs
More Truck Drivers

2. The trucking industry employs more than eight million people in the United States, and about 3.5
million of them are professional truck drivers. These numbers are significant, as it means that this
group is one of the biggest employers in the country.
Even then, the United States is experiencing a shortage of truck drivers. To be more specific, it
requires over 50,000 of them, according to the American Trucking Association. By 2021, the need will
almost double.
The Crisis
Driving a truck is not for the faint-hearted. It still demands long hours and long drives with plenty of
stops in between. However, it is appealing due to its minimum education credentials and better pay
over the last few years. Some of them are already earning $80,000 annually.

3. But why is there a shortage? There are many reasons. One, there are other jobs that have a minimum
education qualification. These include labor and food service such as waitressing. Being a cashier or a
retail salesperson also does not need a formal education to join.
Second, both e-commerce and brick-and-mortar stores need their services. Online shopping, for
instance, has already grown tremendously through the years.
During the first quarter of 2018, almost 10% of the total U.S. retail sales is e-commerce. Revenues in
2016 were $322.17 billion. By 2021, it will climb to $485.27 billion.
The introduction of technology may also be contributing to the shortage. Drivers, for example, may
have to spend a part of their time with fleet management programs, which lessens their driving hours.

4. The Effects
Any kind of job shortage can affect the country’s economy in tremendous ways. With fewer drivers on
the road, retailers may be forced to increase their shipping costs. In fact, Amazon, which shipped
around five million items around the world in 2017, had already raised their Prime rates. Companies
may also pass on the extra freight costs to either the consumers or their wholesalers and retailers.
There is no better time for transport companies to start not only investing in better compensation
packages to attract drivers, but also working with firms that can help them look for drivers. The
sooner they can do that, the more they have an advantage in the market.

5. Sources:
https://www.centerlinedrivers.com/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2018/05/28/america-has-a-massive-truck-driver-
shortage-heres-why-few-want-an-80000-job
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/04/26/truck-driver-shortage-raises-prices/535870002/