The American Trucking Associations and large fleets have been putting forward a bold solution to the truck driver shortage: permit under-21 drivers to transport cargo across state lines. They argue that this is the key needed to alleviate what has long presented itself as an industry challenge. With it, advocates promise a future free from limitations often faced by those in transportation roles -a boon for businesses nationwide.
Their argument was so convincing, in fact, that Congress approved an under-21 pilot program in 2021’s infrastructure law. The initiative was designed to onboard 1,000 carriers and 3,000 young apprentice drivers.
In January of 2022, the FMCSA announced the establishment of the program.
On Thursday, March 23, Sen Cindy Hyde-Sith, R-Miss, noted at a Senate subcommittee hearing that, to date, only four apprentices have joined the program.
“Although the pilot program is intended to accommodate up to 1,000 carriers and 3,000 enrolled apprentices at any given time, the initial participation data is just alarmingly underwhelming,” Hyde-Smith said. “At the time of the presentation from FMCSA, only 21 carriers had been approved for participation and four apprentices were in the program. One, two, three, four, and we could take up to 3,000.”
OOIDA says these low numbers of participation are not cause for concern as they have actively refuted the claims of a driver shortage. Instead of a shortage, OOIDA says any issues have to do with an inability to retain drivers because of low wages and poor working conditions at large fleets. Turnover rates at large carriers are commonly at 90% or above and have surpassed 100% over the years.
A 2019 study from the U.S. Department of Labor seems to back these claims. The study found that there wasn’t a shortage of qualified drivers, but rather suggested that the shortage was in the number of carriers paying a wage that will attract and retain these drivers.
In April 2022, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said that his department estimates that 300,000 truck drivers turn in their keys every year.
Some experts suggest that the very same issues that are driving experienced truckers to leave the industry such as low wages and poor working conditions, are the same things that the younger generation is seeing that makes them hesitate before getting behind the wheel in the first place.
As a note from us, we want to assure you that there are some really great carriers out there, but we know that finding that right match isn’t always easy, and that’s where we come in. We specialize in matching great drivers with great carriers and would love to help you find your perfect match.
Source: Land Line
