Stories abound about the nation’s truck-driver shortage–currently estimated at about 80,000 drivers—along with solutions to the problem. The industry desperately needs to recruit and retain drivers, and that’s a topic most of the trades dig into somewhat frequently. But recently, consumer publication Wired took a deep dive into what it’s like to be a modern-day truck driver, offering some insight from the drivers themselves as to the hardships of their chosen careers. The drivers’ talking points could be useful for those companies looking to expand their fleets or simply fill empty driving positions.
Overall, the interviewed drivers complained of poor treatment in an increasingly difficult environment. Training contracts was among their big concerns, but so too was the hours they spend idling at warehousing docks. This is time they aren’t productive, and it also impacts their ability to schedule other parts of their day. The interviewed drivers expressed high levels of frustration with the wasted time, and it’s an area shippers can consider when looking to help solve the driver shortage.
