What’s Driving the Truck Driver Shortage? Infographic of 6 Key Challenges
The whole concept of "supply chain" is getting an unprecedented amount of attention these days, and that includes the logistics labor market.
But if there's one worker that keeps it all moving (literally), it's truck drivers.
We summed up a few key insights from our driver shortage research study into this infographic, so you can better understand one aspect of the current supply chain crisis.
Download the Full Research Study
Want to keep learning about the driver shortage?
Check out these related posts to dive deeper into the original research study.
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Hiring Drivers in a Post-COVID-19 World: 3 Things Carriers Need to Know
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5 Things Shippers Need to Know about the Truck Driver Shortage
What's Driving the Truck Driver Shortage in 2021?
The commercial truck driver shortage has been a trending topic for years.
Some experts even claim there isn’t a shortage.
To bring data into the conversation, Coyote teamed up with the labor market experts at Emsi.
While creating the original research study, we found 6 challenges fueling the driver shortage.
Challenge 1: Attracting New Talent
Younger workers are not entering the trucking industry at a rate high enough to replace an aging driver workforce.
- 57% of all truckers are over 45
- 23% are over 55
- Only 20% are under 45
Challenge 2: Competition from Other Blue-collar Jobs
Younger workers are entering the logistics industry — but they are gravitating towards warehousing.
- Over 62% of warehouse jobs are filled by people under 45.
Challenge 3: Long-Haul Freight vs. Work/Life Balance
Most freight opportunities are long-haul, but today’s driver wants the work/life balance that comes with local moves.
- Coyote network data shows a 3% Y/Y increase in short-haul freight since 2019.
Challenge 4: Job Posting Is Ineffective
Carriers are posting for tractor-trailer drivers more than they’re hiring them — and it’s far more competitive than similar professions.
- Heavy Duty, Tractor-Trailer Drivers: 9:1
- Light Duty Drivers: 2:1
- All Blue-Collar Occupations: 1:1
- Warehousing 1:2
Challenge 5: Closing the Skill Gap
It takes time, training, and money to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), but employers are asking for experienced candidates.
- 4,000,000 job postings required a CDL, #1 overall skill gap, most also required prior driving experience too
Challenge 6: COVID-19 Impact
The pandemic has amplified existing challenges, and generally reduced the labor force participation in the trucking industry.
- -38% in truck driver job posting activity (2019 vs. 2020)
Get More Insights on the Truck Driver Shortage.
We’ve outlined a few of the challenges — download the full research study to dive deeper into the results and get actionable next steps for shippers and carrier.