America’s Truck Driver Shortage: Crisis or Just Bad Management?

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction

The trucking industry keeps America moving, yet it’s facing a major roadblock—an ongoing driver shortage. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has been sounding the alarm for years, reporting a shortfall of 80,000 drivers at its peak. While recent data suggests a slight improvement, dropping the shortage to 60,000 drivers, the real question remains: Is there truly a shortage, or is the industry failing to retain the workforce it already has?

Key Points

The Numbers: How Bad Is It?

In 2021, the ATA reported a historic driver shortage of 80,000 drivers, warning that this number could double by 2030 if trends continue.

However, as of 2025, the shortage has reportedly decreased to 60,000 drivers.

The industry needs to recruit nearly one million new drivers over the next decade to meet growing freight demands and replace retirees.

The Pay Problem: Truckers Are Leaving for a Reason

Between 2019 and 2021, truckload driver salaries increased by 18%, with 90% of trucking companies raising driver pay.

Despite this, many drivers still struggle with low wages after expenses, long hours, and inconsistent home time.

Owner-operators argue that big carriers keep the pay scale artificially low while reaping record profits.

Turnover, Not Shortage: The Industry’s Dirty Secret

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) argues the real issue isn’t a shortage but driver retention.

Many drivers enter the profession yearly, but high turnover rates (often over 90% at large carriers) suggest that new drivers don’t stay long.

Truckers leave due to long unpaid wait times at shippers, poor working conditions, and unfair company policies.

Many drivers quit because they feel like they are running on a hamster wheel—working long hours but seeing little financial gain.

Multiple Perspectives: Shortage or Industry Failure?

The ATA’s View:

Trucking companies and major industry groups claim the shortage is real and push for initiatives like the federal apprenticeship program to recruit younger drivers.

They cite retirements, increasing freight demand, and licensing barriers as key reasons for the labor shortfall.

ATA argues that without attracting new drivers, supply chains will face major disruptions.

The Drivers’ View:

Many truckers argue that companies don’t need more drivers—they need to treat the ones they have better.

The issue isn’t recruiting new drivers; it’s that experienced ones keep quitting due to pay structures that favor companies over drivers.

Some drivers believe companies exploit regulations to avoid paying fair wages, forcing drivers into excessive work hours with little rest.

The Skeptics:

Some analysts believe the "shortage" narrative benefits large carriers, allowing them to push for relaxed regulations, hire cheaper labor, and justify automation.

Reports suggest that if wages increased and conditions improved, many former drivers would return to the road.

Critics argue that the real shortage isn’t of drivers—it’s of good-paying trucking jobs.

Industry Response: What’s Being Done?

Raising Wages—But Is It Enough?

Some companies have increased pay, but hidden costs like lease agreements, insurance, and fuel often reduce take-home income.

Bonuses and incentives are becoming common, but many drivers report that these perks come with fine print that makes them hard to actually earn.

Recruiting a New Generation of Drivers

The industry is targeting younger drivers through apprenticeship programs and lowering the minimum age for interstate drivers.

Women and minority recruitment efforts are increasing as the industry looks to diversify the driver pool.

The goal is to make trucking more appealing as a career, but skeptics argue that unless conditions improve, new recruits will leave just as fast.

Automation & Technology: The Future of Trucking?

Some trucking companies are investing in autonomous trucks, hoping to reduce reliance on human drivers.

While self-driving trucks are still in the testing phase, major players like Tesla and Waymo are developing long-haul solutions.

Critics argue that automation could eliminate jobs rather than improve them, leaving many drivers without work.

Government Intervention: Is Regulation the Answer?

Federal programs aim to streamline licensing and reduce barriers for new drivers.

Some lawmakers are pushing for better labor protections to ensure truckers get fair wages and proper working conditions.

However, many drivers remain skeptical of government intervention, believing large carriers will continue to influence policies to their advantage.

The Bottom Line

The trucking "shortage" isn’t as simple as not enough people willing to drive—it’s about the industry’s unwillingness to improve working conditions. Companies claiming a crisis while offering low pay, high turnover, and poor treatment might need to look in the mirror. If the industry wants drivers to stay, it needs to fix the job—not just fill seats.

At the end of the day, trucking is still one of the most essential industries in America. Whether companies and policymakers choose to address the root causes of turnover or continue cycling through new drivers will determine the future of freight in the U.S.


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