Economists are predicting a shortage of certified commercial drivers over the next few years even as they demonstrate that the trucking industry is expected to grow significantly in the next decade.
One expert states that currently there may be a need for as many as 130,000 new drivers - a number that could balloon in ten years. There are several reasons for the shortage.
First of all there are large numbers of people retiring from the business - it can be physically brutal on a person. At the same time the industry seems to be little allure for the younger generation to enter the over-the-road trucking business.
Meanwhile trucking companies are placing greater restrictions and setting higher expectations for new truck drivers. Those with poor driving records, arrests for drugs or intoxication - or with other legal problems can no longer count on escaping into the trucking industry to make a living.
Federal regulations and high monetary awards to persons who were injured or have loved ones who were killed in a semi-truck accident are resulting in greater caution in the hiring practices of trucking companies.
This is proving to be problematic - which always comes down to affecting the bottom line for goods and services for all Americans. But, many would argue that increased costs for groceries and dry goods are worth the lives it saves.
As a semi truck accident attorney I see many drivers who have a truck accident when they should not have even been driving a big rig.
