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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.

Trucking companies across the country have experienced a rough first half of 2019.  Coming off a profitable and robust 2018, the transportation industry has taken a one step forward, two steps back, which is causing many trucking companies to shutter their doors and leave thousands of drivers unemployed.  There are many factors that have led to a shaky 2019 for trucking.  Let’s take a look at a few.

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) estimated that there are roughly 500,000 over-the-road for-hire truckload drivers in the U.S. The ATA also estimated that segment of the industry is currently over 50,000 drivers short, and that number is projected to balloon as high as 175,000 by 2026.