Driver Shortages a Challenge for the Modern Trucking Company The economic crash of the previous decade did a lot of damage to many industries. Unfortunately, the trucking industry suffered along with everyone else. However, we have since rebounded in a very strong way. Our biggest challenge now is a driver shortage that continues making things difficult even for the best trucking company. In 2012, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) estimated the number of current trucking jobs in America to be just over 1.7 million. It projected growth of about 11% through the year 2022. That works out to an additional 192,600 jobs created by America's trucking companies. It will be a few more years before we know whether the BLS got right or not. Nevertheless, one look at the job listings suggests they did. Wherever you look there are opportunities for local, regional and OTR trucking employment. Companies such as C.R. England are in desperate need of licensed, qualified drivers capable of delivering safely and on time. Hiring Company Drivers We are not in a unique position of scouring the country for the best drivers in the business. Qualified drivers are at a premium in this very competitive industry. Therefore, we must compete by offering the right things that will attract the talent we are looking for. How are we competing? By offering what today's truckers are looking for:
Affiliated Training – Companies such as ours cannot afford to pay for the CDL training of our drivers, but we can partner with high quality driving schools to ensure those who work for us get the best training possible. We partner with Premier Truck Driving Schools for that very reason. Those who graduate with a license are guaranteed employment with C.R. England as long as they meet the rest of our hiring requirements. Competitive Pay – It goes without saying that pay is the strongest area of competition between companies. As the saying goes, “show me the money.” We offer competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for earning more by working as part of a team. We are doing what we can to help our drivers maximize earning potential. Quality Equipment – Equipment is the key to dependable transport services. Furthermore, we believe it is our responsibility as a trucking company to make sure that all of our employee drivers are working with only the best equipment. We work hard to maintain a top-of-the-line fleet. Variable Opportunities – We know that not every driver has the same preferences or personality. That is why we offer both over-the-road and dedicated driving opportunities. We are especially proud to say that our dedicated division has grown substantially over the years, providing more opportunities for more drivers.
Owner-Operators Companies such as ours are not the only ones competing for qualified drivers. There are also owner operators with more than one rig, looking for individuals to fill the empty seats. Unfortunately, these hardy entrepreneurs are facing many of the same problems we are.
In 2012, the Mack-Blackwell Rural Transportation Center surveyed owner-operators to gauge how the industry was doing in that respect. Interestingly, among those who owned more than one rig, only 8% were running six or more. The vast majority (56%) owned only two rigs. Furthermore, only 10% of the total number surveyed owned more than one rig. When asked why they were disposing of their excess equipment, the vast majority cited a lack of qualified drivers as the main impetus for downsizing.
It turns out the small trucking company with just a few rigs is having just as much trouble finding qualified drivers as the big companies such as ours. Until we seriously address the current driver shortage, there is not much relief in sight. The industry will have to continue doing the best it can with the numbers it has. Meanwhile, we have to figure out ways to attract new drivers to the industry. We're Looking for You C.R. England is searching for both experienced and inexperienced drivers looking to work for a reputable company with a long history. If you have neither experience nor a license, we can help you out by way of a CDL training program with our driving school partner. As previously mentioned, you are guaranteed a job at the conclusion of your training. Experienced drivers are also welcome to apply with C.R. England. We have positions for owner-operators and company employees driving OTR or regional routes. Our company drivers are each assigned their own manager and a permanent tractor. C.R. England does not practice slip seating. If you are looking for a trucking company that cares as much about its drivers as it does its own bottom line, C.R. England is the one you are looking for. We have a reputation as one of the best companies to work for in the trucking industry. Sources: 1. BLS – http://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/heavy-and-tractor-trailer-truck-drivers.htm 2. Overdrive – http://www.overdriveonline.com/how-many-trucks-have-you-owned-at-once/ 3. C.R. England Trucking Jobs – http://www.crengland.com/truck-driving-jobs/overview