Truck Driver Shortage: Urgent Measures Taken to Tackle Growing Challenges in the US and Canada

In both the US and Canada, leaders in the transportation industry have sounded the alarm: long-haul truck drivers are becoming harder to find.

The American Trucking Association (ATA) projected a pressing demand for nearly 1.2 million new drivers in the trucking industry over the next 10 years. This urgent call for recruitment stems from multiple factors, including an aging workforce and the physically demanding nature of the job.

A similar trend is happening in Canada, where the Canadian Trucking Alliance forecasts that the trucking industry will have a shortage of 55,000 workers at the end of 2023, as reported by Truckers News. As a result, federal officials have declared the need for more training as worker shortages continue to plague the industry.

In both countries, government officials and industry associations are looking at ways to support and expand the trucking industry to meet rising needs—sometimes in creative ways, including training for teenagers and underrepresented groups.

The Problem

A significant challenge contributing to the shortage is the rapidly increasing average age of long-haul truck drivers, which currently stands at 46 years old, according to the ATA.

As experienced drivers approach retirement age, there is an imminent need to fill their positions and ensure the seamless continuation of transportation operations.

Truck driving is also a profession that carries inherent risks and challenges, as George Abonyi wrote in a column for the Ottawa Citizen. He pointed out that drivers often face long hours on the road, navigating perilous conditions while managing shifting loads.

Truckers keep economies moving and deserve support from their community and government, said Paul Weatherbie, Marketing Communications Manager at Challenger Motor Freight, one of Canada’s largest trucking companies.

"They are the lifelines of our economy, ensuring the seamless transport of diverse goods, from perishable food items to vital medical supplies," Weatherbie stated. "Their relentless dedication prevents the economy from grinding to a halt, enabling countless industries to operate smoothly. In short, we still very much need truck drivers.”

Teenage Drivers of Semi-Trucks?

In a significant move, the U.S. government has initiated a three-year apprentice program designed to enable 18-to-20-year-olds to operate commercial vehicles on interstate routes.

The creative initiative opens up career pathways for high school graduates that were previously inaccessible. As a result, an increasing number of high schools across the country are seizing the opportunity to prepare their students for the commercial driver's license permit tests, as reported by NPR.

At Williamsport High, for instance, educators are dedicated to equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully complete these exams once they reach the age of 18, according to the NPR story.

Following this milestone, students only need to undertake a road skills course offered by a nearby community college to qualify for their commercial licenses.

According to proponents of the program, students could be drawing a six-figure salary by the time they graduate.

Increased Funding and Training

The Canadian government aims to address driver training inconsistencies by creating a national standard that promotes transferable skills and enhances employability across the country.

With a focus on women and other equity-deserving groups, the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program promises that 2,600 participants will receive comprehensive training, on-the-job work experience, and various supports to prepare them for rewarding careers in the trucking sector.

Federal officials behind the program hope it can help address the shortage of drivers while preparing a new generation to get behind the wheel.

"Truck drivers are essential to our economy and our supply chains," said Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion Minister Carla Qualtrough in a news release. “Our government's investment in this initiative demonstrates our continued commitment to strengthening our transportation supply chain, will allow us to continue to deliver affordable and timely goods to Canadians, and will help build an economy that works for everyone."

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.