The so-called “trucking shortage” is in the news again. A report by The American Journal of Transportation previously declared severe driver shortage in the US trucking industry with an estimated need for 80,000 more workers behind the wheel.

Although some economic indicators show that this holiday season may be sluggish, the season should still mean an uptick in overall consumer activity, which means more freight and more deliveries around the country.

The Effect of the Holidays

There is a noticeable spike in economic activity around the holidays, which is accompanied by an increase in online buying and a corresponding rise in the need for quick shipment, especially as speedy delivery options become more popular.

Major shippers, such as UPS, FedEx, and USPS, say they are ready to meet demand this season. But some studies are still sounding the alarm that the trucking sector must balance meeting increased seasonal demand with addressing the current driver shortage.

Efforts to Address the Shortage

In response to the pressing need for more drivers, the trucking industry has been implementing two main strategies: (1) Increase the hiring pool and (2) Increase pay/benefits to entice truck drivers back to work.

Recruitment efforts have intensified, with trucking companies actively seeking to attract new talent into the profession. This comes in the form of diversifying the workforce, lobbying to lower the age for some drivers, and offering new programs for CDL training.

Fortunately for existing drivers, some companies have also been offering competitive incentives, such as signing bonuses and improved benefits, to make the career more enticing for drivers that are looking for a job.

The combination of driver retention strategies and new recruitment should once again fulfill most demand for the holidays.