Bonus for new drivers
The trucking industry has been around for decades now. It has been responsible for transporting goods and products all over the world. Trucking has also played a vital role in our economy, creating numerous jobs in the process. The average age of truck drivers has been increasing over the years, which has resulted in a shortage of skilled drivers in the industry. With the massive advances in autonomous technologies and the rise of electric trucks, teenagers could soon be the future of big rig drivers.
Skilled labor shortage and automation
The trucking industry has been experiencing a significant decline in the number of skilled drivers over the past few years. This decline has resulted in increased demand for drivers which, in turn, increases labor costs. Alternatively, an increasing number of automated trucks have hit the market in the past few years. While there has been a divide in opinion over the adoption of automation in trucking, it’s clear the industry will see a decline in the human labor required to drive trucks.
Teenagers are ready
Teenagers have grown up with technology, and they’re better equipped than any previous generation. They are also eager to take up new challenges and learn at an alarming pace. In the coming years, teenagers will be integral in adopting any new technology in the trucking industry, especially those related to automation. They will also adapt well to remote driving and have no issues managing electronic logging devices (ELD) and other vehicle safety features.
Governmental incentive programs
The U.S. government is looking for ways to solve the labor shortage of skilled drivers because it is essential to the country’s economic growth. They have taken note of the fact that teenagers would be well-suited to the job and have begun to develop incentive programs and partnerships to help ease them into the industry. This partnership means the government will provide funding and training programs to high school graduates interested in the industry. Furthermore, partnering with high schools will ensure that teenagers have a foundation in basic logistics concepts such as weighing, loading, and unloading.
Benefits of teenage big-rig drivers
The benefits of teenage truck drivers go beyond cost-effectiveness. Something coursework wouldn’t be able to provide is fresh, new perspectives on how to approach driving. Teenagers will bring a unique point of view to the industry and encourage innovation on many levels. Teenagers are also less likely to be overweight, smoke, or suffer from the health problems that recent research has associated with long-haul or older truckers. Therefore, they will drive more safely and improve industry safety standards.
Challenges to overcome
While teenagers offer enormous potential as drivers, there are many challenges that teenagers and industry leaders will need to overcome. One of the most significant obstacles is access to long-term funding for driving schools and mobile app-driven trucking education programs. In addition, teenagers would need an extensive support network to help with any crises that might affect their performance, whether technological, medical, or related to mental health.
Conclusion
As the world’s technology advances at a rapid rate, the trucking industry must also adopt new innovations to keep up. Teenagers offer a source of non-traditional, cost-effective labor, and come fully equipped for technological advancements. Programs to encourage teenagers to join the industry will have a lasting impact on the future of trucking. The challenges can be overcome, and the industry can hold onto the benefits of human drivers while still reaping the advantages of automation. This growth and change can only be beneficial to the already growing industry.