Truck Driver Shortage, Freight Rates & Aging Drivers

[@TRONABORON]

Shortage of pay! Retired a few years back- it is not worth it anymore- it was great while it lasted!

[@OverTheRoadATS]

I hear you. When the pay doesn't match the sacrifice, it's tough to stay motivated. Glad you enjoyed it while you were working! Check out our article on the highest paying trucking jobs in 2024 and let us know what you think! blog.drive4ats.com/highest-paying-trucking-jobs

[@TRONABORON]

You said it right- the quality of people has gone down dramatically! Its ok to say it!

[@jerrybnasty5115]

A whole ton of Hindus

[@f.j.c4444]

You guys made some great points. The term "driver shortage" has been advertised, but it hasn't actually happened. This raises the question - why was it being advertised? What was the purpose? I believe we are witnessing the results now: low rates, trucking companies going bankrupt, truck drivers unemployed, and no increase in pay. Just like any industry, if it becomes oversaturated, it will eventually collapse.

[@JASONHJEFFERSON]

after 17 years otr ill never go back since i have a local paid by the hour crude hauling job i make more and my bp has gone down since i dont have to chase cents per mile anymore and no free work

[@PACOJO_NAZOSLOSMIOS]

The problem is compensation is not enough to be gone from home. Average drivers pay is equal to a different industry job where you are home every day

[@OverTheRoadATS]

You make a good point. When there's a surplus of drivers, demand drops, and so do the rates.

[@markgiles5426]

Right now there’s not really a driver shortage, but coming soon especially if oilfield takes off again there will be!! The problem right now is shippers and receivers taking multiple hours and sometimes days to get loaded or unloaded. I spend more times waiting on them than driving. The only person that is concerned about delivery is the driver. Ship/rec. could care less above completion of sale of product!!!

[@CpmScam]

I’ve been driving for 5 years. I am seriously considering driving for Uber. Tired of working 70 hours and driving only getting paid for 50 hours.

[@robertbanks9825]

I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS TRUE BUT ONE THING IVE NOTICE A LOT OF STORES HAVE EMPTY SHELVES THAT'S SOMETHING IVE NEVER SEEN IN SIXTY YEARS OF LIFE

[@OverTheRoadATS]

Thanks for your comment! It's definitely concerning to see empty shelves. Sometimes, it's not just about the number of truck drivers but also about how efficiently goods are distributed, changes in consumer demand, and other disruptions in the supply chain. It's a complex issue with many contributing factors.

[@dwainsmilne]

Companies tried to convince the government that there definitely is a driver shortage so the government would open up the borders to immigrants and try to fill the seats that are pretty much already filled with experienced drivers, so the Companies decide to take the immigrants and pretty much forced the experienced drivers out of the industry, that floods the industry with inexperienced drivers, which makes the roads extremely dangerous but I guess no matter how much safety is preached it becomes secondary to filling the seats for less money, safety should be #1 but the government doesn't care how dangerous the roads become, not only that but the experienced drivers are out of a job!!!!!where is it going?????We will pay for this decision EVERYTHING COMES FOR A PRICE???

[@OverTheRoadATS]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@rodchandlerii6922]

I will say that this is the first time anybody has given an explanation that actually causes me to pause and think about the truck driver shortage whether it is real or not given the line of thought that you have presented I would agree with you if I didn't separate available trucks from the drivers themselves

[@OverTheRoadATS]

Glad to hear it!

[@douglassummers5928]

Large difference between CDL holders and people exercising through employment their CDL priveleges

[@OverTheRoadATS]

Definitely! Thanks for the comment

[@channingbaker-z4n]

There are a low rate issues

[@victorforeman7056]

No and it never has been but one day it could be. Not enough freight plenty of drivers

[@TheWandererOTR]

If you're young, trucking is a lonely life. Think about what you want to do before you let these corporate talking heads recruit you into a vocation that will have you will spending your younger years alone and away from your friends and family. You'll miss out on birthdays, meeting people, family, friends, etc. If spending your time on the road is worth what it will take away from you, then by all means, but don't let company men who only care about their bottom line influence your decision.

[@OverTheRoadATS]

Thank you for sharing your perspective. It's important for anyone considering a career in trucking to fully understand the lifestyle. The long hours and time away from home can be challenging. It's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and make a decision that aligns with your personal goals and values. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what you believe is best for your future. We made a guide to try help people decided if OTR trucking is right for them. blog.drive4ats.com/over-the-road-trucking-good-fit Let us know what you think about it!

[@eas-eautocom4871]

It can still be a good career or just to get the license. Then look local or regional where you actually get home. Otr especially weeks at a time is lonely, it isn't much different than solitary confinement with constant aggravating factors. DOT, parking, payscales are shady at best, expensive food, demanding dispatch..... Still good to acquire a cdl and run box truck delivery, towing into heavy end, construction, gov jobs. Beats 4 year degree heavy debt and maybe a career & not everyone is scholar material or that patient. Cdl or a trade bumps income prospects upward.

[@rodchandlerii6922]

I disagree I believe there's a shortage of drivers because there are trucks that are not filled but there is an over surplus of trucks so some of these companies need to get rid of their excess trucks then there wouldn't be a driver shortage driver shortage means that there are not enough drivers to fill the available trucks the Surplus comes when there are too many trucks for the limited amount of freight.

[@OverTheRoadATS]

Thanks for sharing your perspective! The driver shortage is more about the balance between the number of drivers and the amount of freight needing transportation, not just the number of trucks. Even with unfilled trucks, if freight demand fluctuates, it can appear as if there's a shortage of drivers when it's really about matching driver supply with freight demand.

[@JAleksandr]

There are a ton of empty trucks because the capacity ratio is severely skewed. I’ve been doing this 30 yrs and own my own equipment. There is ABSOLUTELY no shortage of drivers. It’s this mentality that is keeping a massive influx of people into the industry and keeping the ratio as far off that keeps rates this low. Please look into the amount of MC#’s active/new/closed for every quarter over the last several years the look at freight volumes over those same timelines and you will see everything is flipped and there is/has been WAY more capacity than volume for far too long…

[@ryancox5097]

I'm one of the unqualified applicants. I'm looking for a company here in the Portland area that will help me get my CDL. In return, I'll sign a contract, committing to work for that company for a year or two, or whatever. So far, no luck.

[@OverTheRoadATS]

Here's an article we did on the best trucking companies for new drivers -> blog.drive4ats.com/best-trucking-carriers-new-drivers Hope this helps!

[@8split2]

What percent of drivers have hazmat? If you had to take a guess? I cant find any info on it

[@OverTheRoadATS]

According to the FMCSA approximately 12% of truck drivers in the US have a HazMat endorsement on their CDL.

[@8split2]

Thank you ats

[@TheWandererOTR]

Industry needs to unionize. Nothing will get better for truckers unless they ban together and form unions, which is how we have a voice.

[@Wasupup]

There’s no shortage of

[@OverTheRoadATS]

Exactly

[@tripac3392]

Lose money in their company sitting around waiting for loads. No thanks, ill buy a truck before i give another hour to these bozo companies

[@RomeoUrsu-fy9qo]

Many O/O are working for no profit….actually company driver is a better option at the moment in my opinion and those getting paid a decent hourly rate is the best option…local and daily home.

[@OverTheRoadATS]

Owning your own truck can definitely offer more control over your time and income.

[@RomeoUrsu-fy9qo]

@@OverTheRoadATS Over your time…definitely. But in regards of income…many are filing for bankruptcy this year. Brokers are controlling your income…😂😂😂😂