The trucking industry is the backbone of your business as a general contractor in Texas, and you’ll certainly have heard concerns about potential truck driver shortages. But is there really a shortage, or are the challenges more nuanced?
In this article, we’ll look at what’s driving this conversation and how it might affect you as you seek to contract with haulers and ensure your project runs on time.
Defining the Truck Driver Shortage
When you hear about truck driver shortages, it’s not always a simple lack of drivers. It can include issues such as
- presumed high turnover (see below),
- job dissatisfaction, and
- the tough nature of the work and its effect on family life.
Understanding the nuances can help you contract with reliable companies and avoid truck driver shortages affecting your projects.
Factors Contributing to the Perception of Truck Driver Shortages
High Turnover Rates of Truck Drivers in America
One major challenge cited is the trucking industry’s high turnover rate. This is somewhat inaccurate. It’s often simply “churn.” Drivers leave to join another company for better pay, lifestyle, etc. They’ve not left the industry. And this is why we said up top that the answer is nuanced!
However, for you, this churn might feel like a shortage when your contractor suddenly loses drivers.
Aging Workforce
Many truck drivers are nearing retirement, with the average driver in their late 40s or early 50s. As older drivers leave the workforce, fewer younger drivers are stepping in. This shift could affect your ability to easily find contractors with sufficient drivers.
Training and Entry Barriers
Becoming a truck driver isn’t as straightforward as applying for a job. Drivers must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which can be costly and time-consuming. These barriers inhibit the flow of new drivers and make it harder for you to find reliable hauling services.
Lifestyle Challenges
When people speak of truck driver shortages, they probably say that trucking is a tough job. OK, it’s true that long hours, time away from home, and health concerns make it less appealing to younger generations.
However, the reality is that more established trucking companies in Texas have loyal drivers and retain them over decades, without a shortfall.
Wage Concerns
While trucking can offer stable employment, many argue that wages haven’t kept up with the rising demands of the job, such as learning new tech. But job stability has often won out in the current economy!
Regulatory Influences
Regulations like Hours of Service rules and electronic logging devices (ELDs) have added stress to drivers, making some but not all reconsider their careers.
Technological Impacts
While autonomous vehicles could reduce the need for drivers in the future, that future is still years away. This will not deter new drivers entering the profession!
And on the bright side, advancements in logistics software and route planning are improving efficiency and satisfaction among trucking companies and their drivers – something that will also directly benefit your operations!
Regional Perspective
As a Texas-based general contractor, you’re uniquely positioned with high hauling demands due to Texas’s massive size, extensive highway network, and the ongoing infrastructure creation. This can make any fear of truck driver shortages feel particularly urgent here, even when there are plenty of drivers.
Solutions to Trucking Industry Driver Shortages
Here are some strategies that established Dallas trucking companies use to ensure they can supply your need for “truck hauling services near me.”
- Improved pay and benefits
- Enhancing work-life balance with flexible schedules and better planning
- Expanded training programs to ensure a steady supply of new drivers
- Employing underrepresented groups such as women and veterans
- Promoting trucking as a career within a much-in-demand hauling environment
So, Are There Truck Driver Shortages in Texas?
It’s not a simple yes or no. While there’s sometimes a mismatch between driver supply and demand, much of it stems from systemic challenges within the industry that are already being addressed.
For you, as a general contractor in Texas, understanding these issues can help you locate appropriate trucking partners who will manage your requirements effectively.
Cowboy Trucking Has NO Truck Driver Shortages!
As a family firm with decades of experience in how to keep our drivers loyal, happy, and available all year round, we can supply any of your general contracting needs. Give us a call today and let’s talk!