COVID-19 has badly affected the trucking industry, and we’re still facing the impact in the year 2022. We are facing driver shortages due to weakened CDL training infrastructure and unemployment. Also, due to retirement and training disruptions, there are 80,000 fewer drivers than in 2019.
This trend won’t slow down anytime soon and is an excellent concern for fleet owners. The American Trucking Industry has also estimated that this shortage will reach about 105,000 drivers by 2023. Several factors affect driver shortage, but one of the leading causes is retirement. As the experienced driver’s pool gets smaller, operators acquire entry-level drivers.
Benefits Of Hiring Entry-Level Truck Drivers:
According to an industry report, new driver graduates entering the industry are lower than experienced drivers leaving due to retirement. So, the talent pool is dwindling.
For the sake of the economy, industry, and customers, a revival of the driver pipeline is needed. Yes, autonomous driving may be a big thing in the next decade, but we have to manage with the human workforce for now. We must invest in tomorrow’s drivers now to tackle this situation. The government has recently passed the DRIVE-Safe Act to encourage drivers between 18-20 years to take up interstate driving.
Here are some reasons why entry-level drivers are a practical choice for most operators.
More Adaptable Drivers:
Entry-level drivers are more adaptable because they are less experienced. Before you entirely sweep off this idea, consider this phenomenon in other industries as well. This concept is not just genuine for the trucking industry. This formula is applied in all sectors employing individuals of different age brackets.
The younger generation is eager to join the trucking workforce. They want to start a career and please their employers in the process. Commercial drivers are no exception. So, fleet operators should hire young entry-level drivers and train them the way they want to.
Loyal To Their Employers:
This is a driver’s market, so you can’t get overwhelmed because new drivers are being offered more jobs. Another trend that we’ve seen is that drivers are also more interested in developing long-term relationships with one employer. Another benefit that you can reap from entry-level drivers is their readiness to take on any job. They are not afraid to take up over-the-road assignments, unlike experienced drivers.
Long-Term Relationships:
If you hire young drivers, you have a greater chance of building a long-term relationship with them. This will prove to be favorable for your business in the long run.
FAQs
Q1- How do I get into trucking with no experience?
You can take any of these paths to become a driver without experience.
- Get hired by an owner-operator. You may be lucky enough that an independent operator hires you.
- Some trucking companies run their apprenticeship programs for new drivers. You can join one of these programs and get a commercial license this way.
- Take any small job and build your reputation.
Q2- What is the qualification of an entry-level driver?
Entry-level drivers have just obtained their CDL for the first time and have no experience with commercial driving. They have acquired a commercial driver’s license.
Conclusion:
It is crucial for today’s carrier companies to shift towards entry-level talent as the industry is switching towards this trend. Entry-level truck drivers can be trained according to your company’s requirements and give you efficient services for years to come.
