The Ottawa Cooperative Association, responsible for transporting grain and fertilizer in eastern Kansas, experienced a significant loss of truck drivers due to the pandemic.
“COVID really pushed many baby boomers, who were often truck drivers, out of the profession,” explained Judd Perry, the fuel manager. “Now, with such a large number having left, we struggle to find replacements.”
According to the American Trucking Associations, the driver shortage, which was approximately 78,000 in 2022, is expected to double by 2031. The industry will need to recruit about 1.2 million drivers to fill retiree positions, but high training costs, reaching up to $7,000, pose a significant barrier to hiring new drivers.
Perry mentioned that a federal regulation standardizing training for commercial driver’s licenses is complicating in-house training efforts at the co-op. Additionally, even those co-op employees who successfully complete the training and obtain their licenses are frequently recruited by larger companies.
Addressing the Shortage
Agriculture is one of the sectors most impacted by the driver shortage, prompting ag businesses and organizations to find ways to attract more drivers to the trucking industry.
The Illinois Farm Bureau has initiated a scholarship program to support commercial driver’s license training at community colleges, requiring applicants to secure an endorsement from someone in the agriculture sector to confirm their intent to utilize the license for agricultural purposes.
Challenges Faced by Aspiring Drivers
Jennifer Smith, development manager at the Illinois Farm Bureau’s charitable organization, the IAA Foundation, pointed out that while the scholarship has been effective, financial constraints are not the only challenge for aspiring drivers. The availability of time to undergo training can also be a significant obstacle.
“One major barrier is whether someone can take a break from their daily routines to complete the training,” stated Smith, adding that community colleges offering evening classes have been beneficial in this regard.
Scholarship Initiatives and Lifestyle Challenges
This year, the Ottawa Cooperative Association offered a $6,000 scholarship to be shared among four high school seniors, but the application period closed with only one submission. Perry believes this low turnout may reflect the demanding lifestyle associated with trucking, which includes long hours and extended time away from family.
The American Trucking Associations recently noted lifestyle factors as contributing to the driver shortage.
Advocating for Policy Changes
Some organizations are advocating for policy changes, including lowering the federal age limit that prevents drivers under 21 from operating across state lines, as well as promoting infrastructure improvements to alleviate traffic congestion.
“Investing in infrastructure could enhance traffic flow, which might help address the driver shortage,” suggested Tom Crawford, president of the Missouri Trucking Association.
Current Adaptations and Future Outlook
In the interim, many organizations are managing with the drivers they currently have. Crawford noted that members of their association take pride in problem-solving to ensure timely transportation of goods. “They thrive on figuring out how to get something from point A to point B with the resources they have,” he said.
Eva Tesfaye reports on agricultural, food systems, and rural issues for KCUR and Harvest Public Media, and is also a member of the Report For America corps. This piece was produced in collaboration with Harvest Public Media, which focuses on food systems, agriculture, and rural affairs across the Midwest.
