Truck Driving Job

Is a long-haul, over-the-road truck driving job a viable career choice? Are there trucking jobs currently available? The short answer: the trucking industry has a current shortage of 20,000 drivers and probably 111,000 by 2014.

Does this mean that you are capable of being a truck driver or that you have the temperment or skills to handle the job? Many long-haul drivers claim extended periods away from home and unpredictable schedules as reasons for leaving the industry. But if you have the desire, the drive and the ability to handle the requirements of this carreer, trucking jobs are available and will continue to be available for the forseeable future.

The American Trucking Association reported the long-haul, heavy-duty truck transportation industry in the United States is experiencing a national shortage of drivers. This shortage of at least 20,000 drivers is predicted to increase to 111,000 by 2014 if current trends stay their course. According to the ATA President, "It's critical that we find ways to tap a new labor pool, increase wages and recruit new people into the industry that keeps our national economy moving."

According to truckline.com:

Of the 3.4 million truck drivers, only 1.3 million are long-haul truckers
The current driver shortage of 20,000 drivers seems larger due to driver "churn"
Carriers reported an average annual turnover of 121%
If current trends continue, new long-haul heavy truck drivers will increase at an annual rate of just 1.6% in the next decade.
Over the next 10 years, economic growth will generate a need for a 2.2% annual increase in long-haul heavy truck drivers, or 320,000 jobs overall.
Another 219,000 truck drivers must be found to replace drivers 55 and older
Total hiring needs of 539,000 truck drivers or an average of 54,000 new drivers per year

At the same time, the industry is having problems finding qualified drivers. Many trucking companies reject a high percentage of driver applicants because the drivers lack the necessary qualifications.

This driver shortage comes at the worst time as the trucking industry is hauling more freight than ever, from 9.8 billion total annual tons in 2004 to an expected 13 billion by 2016. The good news for drivers? Pay and benefits should continue to increase for quality long-haul truck drivers.