18.08.05 Trucks

Running on Empty

If you bought it, chances are it got there via semi truck.A The trucking industry is responsible for moving 70% of goods across America.

But there’s just one problem… there aren’t enough drivers to get it there.

but…my amazon order!

Why Driver Shortage Matters

• No matter how high tech we get, we need old-fashion trucking. StrongA economy has demand for trucks outpacing supply of drivers.
• Higher prices:A Companies, especially food makers, pass on higher transport costs to us.
• Slower Deliveries:A Are your Amazon delivery taking longer? You’re not alone.

Drivers Wanted

• Requires 3-6 months in trucking school at $3-7K.
• Long, solitary stretchesA away from home, wearing electronic monitors to track driving time.
• Avg pay:A $42,480 in May 2017, figure appx. doubles if driving for private fleet (i.e. Pepsi, Walmart).
• Median age: 49
• 6% are women, two-thirds are white.

Trying to Fix It:
Lower Minimum Age?

• Currently, must be 21 to drive interstateA freight (out-of-state); now considering lowering to 18.
• White House is backing a trial program to allow those under 21 with military training to operate commercial vehicles across state lines, showing a willingness to possibly change federal law.

Going the way of the dinosaurs? Although there’s plenty of hype around autonomous trucks wiping out the need for drivers, trucking executives say that day is still too far off to solve today’s problem.