Understanding The Real Reasons Behind The American Truck Driver Shortage

The trucking industry is experiencing a historic driver shortage. But is there truly a shortage of drivers, or are we missing the bigger picture?

Many CDL drivers feel burned out, unappreciated, and disillusioned with the promises made by trucking companies. This blog post dives into the real issues facing drivers today—like aging out, unmet expectations, and the critical need for fair treatment.

Are Drivers Really in Short Supply?

It’s easy to look at numbers and conclude there’s a driver shortage. But let’s dig deeper. The average age of truck drivers is creeping upward, and many seasoned drivers are reaching retirement age. Picture this: a driver who’s spent 30 years on the road, but his knees hurt every time he steps down from the cab, and his back feels the wear and tear of decades.

When he hangs up his keys, who's stepping in to take his place? There are not enough new drivers, it seems, and the lack of ready drivers is not just about age.

Many experienced drivers leave the industry long before retirement. Why? It’s not because they can’t drive anymore. They walk away because of broken promises and a work environment that doesn’t meet their needs. This points to a different kind of problem.

The Gap Between Promise and Reality

Imagine being told you’d get plenty of hometime, but instead, you’re out on the road for weeks at a time. You’re promised competitive pay, but after deductions, your take-home pay barely covers the bills. Many trucking companies paint a rosy picture during recruitment—promising hometime, great pay, and job satisfaction—but drivers often find the reality far different.

A driver is told, “You’ll be home every weekend,” but after a few months, those weekends turn into quick stops between long stretches on the road. This mismatch creates frustration, especially for drivers who value family time. Over-the-road (OTR) trucking, in particular, takes drivers far from home, often for weeks, making it difficult to keep the promises made during recruitment.

This gap between expectations and reality pushes many drivers away. It’s not that drivers don’t want to work; it’s that they want to work for companies that treat them fairly.

CDL Drivers Are Leaving—Not Because They Can’t Drive, But Because They Can’t Stay

Let’s talk about a driver named Mike. Mike has been a CDL driver for over a decade. He loves the freedom of the open road, and he’s no stranger to the challenges of long-haul driving. But over the years, he’s grown tired. He’s seen younger drivers come and go, and he’s heard their stories—promised one thing, given another.

Mike recalls a time when his dispatcher promised a day off to attend his daughter’s birthday. But when the time came, the load needed to be delivered, and his daughter’s birthday was celebrated over a video call. That was the last straw for Mike. He turned in his keys, not because he didn’t like driving anymore, but because he felt like he didn’t matter.

Mike’s story is one of many. It’s a reminder that drivers aren’t just statistics—they’re people with families, dreams, and expectations. When companies don’t meet those needs, drivers leave. And this leads us back to the so-called driver shortage.

Aging Drivers and a Lack of New Recruits

Another critical factor is the age of current drivers. Many CDL drivers are approaching retirement, and there aren’t enough new drivers to replace them. Training programs for new drivers exist, but they’re not attracting enough young talent. One reason? The industry’s reputation for tough conditions and long hours.

Imagine being ready, fresh out of school and considering a career in trucking. You hear stories from veteran drivers like Mike, and it makes you think twice. You wonder if the long stretches away from home and the difficult working conditions are worth it. This reluctance is why the pool of new CDL drivers isn’t growing as quickly as it needs to.

What Needs to Change in the Trucking Industry?

For the trucking industry to thrive, companies must focus on building a better environment for drivers. This means transparency during recruitment, realistic expectations, and a genuine commitment to driver well-being.

At CDL Empire and through Otai Consulting, we are committed to treating drivers well. We hope this spreads to the entire industry

Here’s a picture of what makes a difference at our company:

• Better Hometime: OTR trucking will always be demanding, but giving drivers predictable schedules and more time at home could go a long way.

• Fair Pay: Drivers need to see that the sacrifices they make on the road translate into a paycheck that can support their families.

• Respect and Support: A simple “thank you” or a supportive dispatcher can make a huge difference. Drivers want to feel valued, not just like a number in the system.

Imagine a world where companies work to align their promises with reality, and where CDL drivers like Mike don’t feel the need to walk away from a job they love. It’s possible—but it requires a shift in mindset.

Bridging the Gap: A Path Forward for Trucking Companies

If the trucking industry truly wants to solve the driver shortage, it needs to address the real issues head-on. This means focusing on better treatment for CDL drivers, listening to their needs, and ensuring that the promises made during recruitment match what drivers experience on the job.

The driver shortage isn’t about a lack of people willing to work. It’s about a lack of people willing to work in an environment that doesn’t support them. With changes like better hometime, fair pay, and a culture of respect, companies can retain the drivers they have and attract new ones to fill the gaps.

The CDL Empire has the power to change the narrative—one where drivers feel appreciated and valued. And when that happens, the driver shortage will be a problem of the past.

Citations:

American Trucking Associations. (2023). Truck Driver Shortage Analysis 2023. Retrieved from trucking.org

Overdrive Magazine. (2022). What Drivers Want: Bridging the Gap Between Company Promises and Reality. Retrieved from overdriveonline.com

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers. Retrieved from bls.gov