Why America Is Experiencing a Truck Driver Shortage

Skilled truck drivers make great salaries for spending their days on the road. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for tractor-trailer truck drivers was $45,260 ($21.76 per hour) in 2019. That’s much higher than the average salary range for all occupations, and experienced drivers can earn up to $70,000 per year.

The ATA predicts that the current shortage will persist over the next several years, leading to larger salaries for drivers. However, while there’s currently a desperate need for truck drivers, that demand won’t last forever. The BLS estimates a job growth rate of only 2 percent for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers over the next decade.

That means that people interested in truck driving should take advantage of the current conditions — new drivers can find accredited training programs to get on the road right away, then use that experience to build their careers.

Reasons to Consider a Career in Truck Driving

Driving a truck isn’t always easy, but the career has some serious perks. The most obvious is the freedom of the open road. If you’re the type of person who enjoys exploring the country on long road trips, truck driving can be liberating.

Of course, there are more practical reasons to consider the job:

• New drivers can start right away. Accredited training programs can be completed within about 7 weeks. Once a driver has a commercial driver’s license (CDL), they’re ready to work (and given the current shortage, employers will be ready to hire them).
• Many truck drivers enjoy flexible hours. Not all drivers spend weeks on the road — loads need to be moved everywhere, after all, and drivers can often set their own schedules. That means more time to spend with family, more time for hobbies, and a better work-life balance.
• Trucking companies offer excellent benefits and incentives. New truckers should compare employment offers carefully, but many employers offer incredible benefits to keep their drivers working. Truckers often have excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance, not to mention sign-on bonuses and other perks.

Trucking isn’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for a career that offers adventure, great pay, and a sense of purpose, it’s well worth considering. Few jobs offer those types of benefits with only a few weeks of training.

What to Know When Choosing a Truck Driving School

New truck drivers can’t just jump behind the wheel — they need a commercial truck driver’s license, which requires an accredited training course. The good news is that drivers can easily find truck driving schools by researching them online. Many schools have connections with employers, so drivers can start building their experience as soon as they’re certified. Some schools even pay drivers to undergo training, provided that the student begins work after obtaining their CDL.

We can’t stress this enough: New drivers should research training programs carefully. Consider whether the course has a high job placement record (indicating that the school’s graduates start work right away). If the school offers free or paid training, find out what that actually means: There’s nothing wrong with a school that gets its students hired, but if you’re committing to a long-term contract, you’ll want to know.

In other words, don’t sign up for the first truck driving course you see. Look at a few options, read the fine print, and make the right choice for your new career.

Comparing Training Programs for Commercial Truck Drivers

If you’re considering a career in trucking, we recommend comparing at least 3 or 4 options before making a decision. Look at a few local jobs, paying attention to their starting rates, sign-on bonuses, and available training programs. New drivers can expect great salaries right away, but only if they’re willing to do some research.

Driving a truck can be a rewarding, liberating way to make a living, and a little work goes a long way. With the right approach, you can start your career in a few months — and spend your work days exploring the open road.