Truck Driver Shortage
The American Trucking Association (ATA) predicts that if the current trend remains, the national truck driver shortage could surpass 160,000 in 2030. The ATA estimates that over the next ten years, the industry will need to recruit nearly 1,000,000 new drivers to replace retiring drivers, drivers who leave either voluntarily or involuntarily, and additional drivers for industry growth.
The current shortage of truck drivers is due to many factors, including:
- A high average age of current drivers, which means many are retiring
- A deficient percentage of female drivers (7% of all drivers)
- Federally mandated age of 21 to drive commercially across state lines
- The inability of some drivers to pass a drug test
- COVID-19 pandemic and lifestyle decisions – pandemic-induced supply chain issues and an overall decision of some drivers to leave the industry
- Infrastructure and other issues – lack of parking options and traffic congestion can be challenging
The Good News
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to grow 6% from 2020 to 2030, which is about the same pace as the average for all occupations1. The demand for commercial truck drivers means that driver pay has increased significantly. The BLS states the median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $47,130 in May 20202, which is higher than the median average wage of all workers ($41,950).
Truck driver pay is only one reason it offers people a stable career with job security. Other benefits of truck driving include:
- Dental and medical insurance
- 401k retirement plans
- Paid vacation and sick time
- Improved bonuses and more!
Companies can’t outsource truck driving, and current demand is high, with it expected to increase over the next decade.
What this means for you
Now is a great time to consider a career change and become a CDL truck driver. Competitive wages and carriers hiring across the U.S. means you have a great start building your new career. Finish your truck driver training in about a month and hit the road as a CDL truck driver!
Start your truck driver training now at Roadmaster Truck Driving school. Roadmaster Drivers School provides high-quality training to truck drivers and helps get them on the road. Consistently ranked among the best truck driver schools, Roadmaster is the right choice for anyone interested in becoming a truck driver.
With locations across the country, there’s likely a Roadmaster near you!
Roadmaster follows strict training and safety guidelines, providing classroom and driving instruction to help you obtain your Class A CDL.
Along with high-quality training by experienced instructors, a few benefits of choosing Roadmaster Drivers School includes:
- Financing for those that qualify
- Career services
- We partner with top carriers looking to hire you
Roadmaster Drivers School makes getting started easy. Complete the form below with your name and contact information to start your journey as a truck driver.
Sources
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, accessed March 21, 2022.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, accessed March 21, 2022.