Dairy Processing - March/April 2023 - 49

markets are likely to stabilize in the months ahead, as first
quarter activity is shaping up better than expected.
ONGOING LABOR CHALLENGES
The truck driver shortage in the US is a growing concern
for transportation and supply chain logistics companies.
In 2021, trucking companies in the US suffered a record
deficit of 80,000 drivers, according to the ATA. Trucks move
approximately 72% of American freight.
The ATA estimates that up to 50,000 additional drivers are
needed each year - over a million drivers in 10 years - just
to keep up with demand. In addition, research shows that as
much as two-thirds of current drivers are expected to retire
within the next decade, creating an even greater need for
qualified candidates.
The shortage is caused by a range of factors, including lower
pay compared to other industries and long hours that can make
it difficult to maintain a good work/life balance. In addition,
recent safety regulations have made it harder for inexperienced
drivers to get on the road quickly, while older drivers are often
presented with increasing physical challenges after years behind
the wheel. In some areas of the country, high unemployment
rates also mean fewer people willing to take on these demanding
jobs despite their relatively competitive wages.
One of the largest issues influencing the driver shortage is
the demographic of the current workforce, primarily age and
gender. The trucking industry relies heavily on male employees,
45 years of age or older.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average
age of a commercial truck driver in the US is 55 years old.
With an alarming amount of these drivers retiring within the
next 10-20 years, the industry will be hit hard if new, younger
workers aren't hired to fill those imminent vacancies. This has
proved to be difficult, though, as the federal requirement states
drivers must be 21 years old to hold an Interstate Commercial
Divers License. This leaves a gap of approximately three years
post-high school, where potential employees may pursue other
employment opportunities.
Another major demographic issue comes from only tapping
into a little more than half of the workforce population. Women
make up 47% of the nation's workforce, according to the US
Department of Labor, but only account for 6% of commercial
truck drivers, according to the ATA.
In response to the ongoing labor concerns, US
Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21) and Dusty Johnson (SD)
introduced a sweeping overhaul of the interstate trucking
supply chain system in January. According to Costa and
Johnson, the Safer Highways and Increased Performance
for Interstate Trucking (SHIP IT) Act would increase safety
and shipping capacity for truckers, provide recruitment and
retention incentives for drivers and include flexibility during
times of emergencies or " black swan " events.
" Disruptions in our trucking supply chain continue to
drive up costs and create uncertainty for American consumers
and producers, " said Costa. " We need to recruit, train and
retain truck drivers to keep our supply chain moving, while
also updating best practices to improve trucking to fit our
modern economy. "
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