Our economy could not be what it is without truck drivers.
It is how product is transported and transferred throughout the country for consumers.
Unfortunately, there are shortages across the States.
There are not enough quality drivers, or just drivers in general, to keep the trucking industry afloat with the same prominence it has had in the past.
The credit for this shortage is given to the federal government's increasing laws and regulations for the trucking industry, including having drivers who carry hazardous material be thumb-printed and have an extensive background check.
Also, each driver is required to get a medical certificate every two years.
The federal government has estimated that the need for shipments will increase by 31% in the next one hundred years.
But can the trucking industry handle that increase? Especially with the increasingly low numbers of current drivers available? Because of the shortage of long-hauling drivers, many companies are trying to hire with more variety, including women, minorities, those who want a second career, and retired military veterans.
A very common occurrence now-a-days is husband and wife tag-teams.
This is great for long hauls and for not feeling like you have to be away from your family for so long.
It seems to be the new trend.
Chairman C.
R.
England, Dan England, said, "We're short-handed right now by 100 drivers.
We target anybody we can find who meets our qualifications.
" England says that he has trucks that get no use because of the intense shortage of drivers.
Many companies might need to merge or go out of business because of the depreciation of "new blood" coming into the business.
They are currently trying to decide on new ways to attract people to come into the business.
The main attraction to the truck driving industry is the open road.
But the trucking industry has changed.
Many complain that it isn't what it used to be.
Linda Shannon, a current truck driver, said, "If you had problems, they would help you.
If your truck broke down, somebody would stop and help you.
That doesn't happen anymore.
" It seems that the trucking industry might need a little facelift, or should revert to the old times when the company actually cared for the employees.
I think every industry should revert to that; if they did so, America as a whole would be a happier place.
The fact is, now is the best time to get into the truck driving industry.
To attract more drivers, many companies are signing bonuses for new drivers and increasing their compensation and benefits.
The demand for CDL truck driving jobs is increasing and is the best time to start a new career in a new industry.