Published on 2021-10-20T13:15:26.000Z
The U.S. faces a shortage of 80,000 truck drivers, according to Chris Spear, CEO of the American Trucking Associations (ATA). This shortfall is a major factor contributing to the ongoing supply-chain crisis, leading to product shortages, delays, and rising prices.
Chris Spear, President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations, reported that the U.S. is short approximately 80,000 truck drivers. This figure represents a record high and is roughly 30% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Many truck drivers have left their positions in search of better pay, benefits, and working conditions. The industry has also faced difficulties in recruiting due to the demanding hours and long periods spent away from home.
The shortage of drivers is wreaking havoc on the U.S. supply chain. In conjunction with shipping issues and increased demand for goods, this lack of truck drivers is causing delays and price hikes, affecting a broad range of products including frozen foods, computer chips, and soft drinks.
Additionally, ports are experiencing backlogs due to insufficient truckers to transport cargo. In an attempt to alleviate the situation, the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles are moving toward round-the-clock operations, although Spear cautioned that this will not completely resolve the issues.
He explained, “It doesn’t matter if it’s a port in L.A. or Long Beach, or the last mile of delivery from a train to a warehouse in Wichita. You’re going to need a driver and a truck to move that freight.”
The ATA has warned that if the trucker shortage is not addressed, the industry could lose 160,000 drivers by 2030. In 2019, approximately 3.6 million truck drivers were employed in the U.S., transporting nearly two-thirds of the country’s freight tonnage.
