The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has published a pivotal report that delves deeply into changing trends within the U.S. truck driver workforce. Their latest research not only pinpoints evolving demographics but also offers actionable pathways for fleets aiming to boost driver recruitment and retention.
“As the trucking industry grapples with an aging workforce and continued demand for drivers, this research underscores the need to embrace evolving demographics,”
said Amanda Schuier, Jetco Delivery strategic maintenance director.
“By broadening recruitment efforts, fleets can tap into new talent pools to not only strengthen driver recruitment and retention, but also address critical workforce challenges by creating sustainable pathways into trucking careers.”
Key Insights From the Research
Changing Face of the Truck Driver Workforce
- ATRI’s research outlines a significant demographic transition among U.S. truck drivers, driven by broader societal and workforce trends.
- The study is split into two major areas:
- A chronological analysis of shifts in driver demographics over time.
- A look at how former foster youth and justice-involved individuals can find sustainable trucking career pathways.
Industry Challenges
“The report offers a comprehensive analysis of the industry’s most pressing workforce challenges, including an aging driver population, low female representation — women currently comprise just 4.1 percent of truck drivers — and shifting employment models,” ATRI stated.
- With the average truck driver age reaching 47, and rising retirements shrinking the labor pool, recruitment must adapt to appeal to a younger generation.
- Outdated messaging and narrow recruitment can hinder efforts to bring in much-needed talent, especially as older drivers leave the workforce at an accelerated rate.
Opportunities for Expanding Access
ATRI’s findings identify valuable opportunities to diversify and strengthen the industry’s future by targeting historically underrepresented groups.
“These groups may face unique challenges, but with the right support, trucking can offer a stable and rewarding career path,” ATRI said.
“The research encourages carriers to adopt targeted outreach, training pipelines, and reentry support, while implementing hiring practices that assess each candidate’s circumstances and readiness on a case-by-case basis.”
For comprehensive details and actionable insights, the full ATRI report is available here.
Source: The Trucker
