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This past October, The American Transportation Research Institute released their annual survey of the top 10 critical issues the trucking industry is faced with.

In today’s world everyone seems to be connected to the internet. Even the nations over the road truck drivers can stay connected when they are on the road several states away from their home base. Smart phones, tablets, and on-board computers keep today's drivers constantly connected to the office and dispatchers. Almost all major truck stops offer free Wi-Fi for their customers inside travel centers. Truck stops will charge an additional fee if the driver prefers Wi-Fi access in their truck while resting. Either in the travel center store or inside the truck, instant communication is a reality in today’s over the road transportation industry.

Since 2010 the number of female truck drivers has increased by 68 percent. While the vast majority of drivers are men, women are often-overlooked candidates who can also excel in these roles. Companies in the trucking industry have struggled to fill open positions, and the problem continues to grow because of high turnover, retirement and increased demand for goods. In 2018, the national trucker shortage was 60,800, by 2028 they are projecting 160,000 open positions within the trucking industry.

The increase in truck driver shortages could be a serious problem for the U.S. economy in the future. Driver shortages were up 20% in 2018 and this trend is continuing in 2019. Within the next decade, United States industries could see the highest driver shortage in U.S. history.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has delayed any rule makings based on the industry’s decision to change Hours of Service (HOS) until sometime in August.