Not many people outside the trucking world are informed about the requirements, issues and current laws surrounding truck driving. Our firm works diligently with these individuals to help them find solutions when it comes to traffic violations, license issues and much more.
Recently, there have been several public scandals related to over-the-road commercial driving, and currently the industry is experiencing a shortage in drivers.
A recent study completed by the American Trucking Association revealed the shortage of U.S. truck drivers will increase to 175,000 by 2040 if no changes are made. Over the last several years, the number of licensed drivers has ebbed and flowed, according to Bob Costello, the American Trucking Association economist and leader of the study. According to Costello, the industry witnessed an improvement last year but has experienced yet another decline in 2015.
As a result of high retirement rates and continuous growth, the industry must find almost 90,000 drivers to meet growing demand.
The job isn’t an easy one though. Truck driving typically means time away from one’s family and long hours, a difficult sacrifice for many parents to make.
Kevin Poulter, a current truck driver says drivers “must be able to deal with the stress of traffic”, too. He knows a variety of weather, road conditions and driving laws can take a toll on drivers.
Long hours can mean good pay but in order to fix the shortage the American Trucking Association is suggesting changing the industry’s requirements and guidelines. The association is questioning specific requirements currently in place.
The current age requirement for long-haul driving is 21 years old, but the American Trucking Association suggests lowering it. They also suggest increasing the amount of time drivers are allowed to spend at home and suggest exploring hiring more military veterans.
According to the association, another piece of the problem is the view the outside world has of truck drivers and the lifestyle it permits. Improving the industry’s reputation will attract more drivers.
Corso Law Group knows truck drivers are passionate about their jobs, and need valid commercial driver’s licenses and a clean driving record to make a living. To learn how to protect yourself, please contact us today.
