The Truck Driver Shortage – The Dirty Truth No One Talks About
There has been a lot of talk about the truck driver shortage in recent years. It seems like everyone has an opinion on why there aren’t enough drivers to keep up with demand. But there’s one dirty truth that nobody likes to talk about – the conditions that many truck drivers face on the job. These conditions can make it difficult for drivers to stay in the industry, and it’s one of the biggest reasons for the ongoing shortage.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the harsh realities of being a truck driver in today’s world. We’ll also explore some of the ways that the industry can change to attract and retain more drivers.
Long hours: One of the biggest issues facing truck drivers is the long hours they’re often required to work. Many drivers are on the road for weeks at a time, spending long hours behind the wheel. This can be exhausting and stressful, and can take a toll on a person’s health over time. Drivers often have to sacrifice time with their families and miss out on important events in order to keep up with their jobs.
Low pay: Despite the long hours and difficult conditions, many truck drivers don’t earn a lot of money. In fact, some drivers earn less than the minimum wage when you take into account the time they spend waiting to load and unload their trucks. This can make it difficult to support themselves and their families, and can be a major factor in drivers leaving the industry.
Lack of respect: Another issue facing truck drivers is the lack of respect they often receive from others on the road. Many drivers report being cut off or tailgated by other drivers who don’t understand the challenges of driving a large truck. This can be frustrating and can make the job even more difficult.
Health problems: Finally, truck drivers often face health problems due to their job. Spending long hours sitting and driving can lead to back problems, obesity, and other health concerns. Truck drivers also often struggle with sleep apnea, which can lead to fatigue and other issues.
Numbers: Statistics show that there is a shortage of truck drivers since the year 2019. Currently, Canada reports being short around 25,000 truck drivers while the US reports a whopping shortage of around 60,000 drivers.
Conclusion:
The truck driver shortage is a complex issue, and there’s no one solution that will solve it overnight. However, by addressing some of the harsh realities of the job, we can start to make changes that will attract and retain more drivers. This includes offering better pay and benefits, improving working conditions, and raising awareness about the difficulties of the job. By working together, we can help ensure that there are enough truck drivers to keep up with demand in the years ahead.