Most of these forward-looking essays will address challenges that the industry expects to face in 2019 with a focus on a specific sector. I will discuss a sector that impacts us all — the truck driver shortage. I feel it will continue to be a major problem as the present ratio between number of drivers available to number of loads is way out of reach to control.
For any importer and logistics provider, it’s a very big challenge to retain trucking companies for their distribution and drayage needs. E-commerce is expanding exponentially, causing a big change to drivers who are switching from long haul or port trucking to last mile, which is also facing a shortage.
The sad part is that the average age of a truck driver at present is 50 years-plus. Just a few years ago, it was below 40. That speaks volumes as it is clear that existing fleet, both human and mechanical, is getting older and it will get worse in 2019.
One way to attract a younger audience to a career in trucking is to pay them well, pay on time, and take care of them. Government incentives would be an important factor in promoting this initiative. Long distance truckers spend weeks away from home to help keep the economy humming and yet the value of their paycheck continues declining.
Another way to attract and retain truckers is to empower them with tools to help maximize their time. For example, technology that allows for advanced planning of their loads can play a critical role in optimizing a trucker’s time. Further, today’s technology offers solutions to reduce time spent on the non-reimbursable admin time.
Time is money for the truck driver — using technology to help increase efficiency, offering a decent wage, and making a life behind the wheel comfortable are key areas to address in 2019.