Drivers Needed: A Message That Will Remain the Same for Years to Come

An estimated 8.7 million jobs were lost in the recession. While most of those have been recovered, the trucking industry has lagged behind in reclaiming those lost in the recession.

Seeing more job postings in various publications is always a good sign that the economy is recovering. However, the trucking industry is currently operating in near crisis mode due to the lack of truckers willing to fill the empty slots.

Freight demands are up, which means every time the trucking industry seems like it’s gaining some headway with employment numbers, a sudden scramble for more drivers occurs and “drivers needed” ads become commonplace. Regardless of what type of trucking organization it is, they need to work harder to find drivers.

Motor carriers, including truckload and less-than-truckload carriers, added around 1,500 jobs in May of this year. Transportation and warehousing jobs saw an influx of 16,400 jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The economy has enjoyed steady growth since the recession finally released its death grip on the nation. However, the snow and ice storms that plastered the eastern states caused a slight dip that is now showing evidence of recovering, if the stronger shipping demands are any indication.

In May of this year, shipments were up by 3.6 percent, according to the Cass Freight Index. Furthermore, freight spending jumped by 11.2 percent over the previous year. You can expect to see more drivers needed postings come fall as the Wolfe Research predicts business really increasing this fall.

The industry needs employees that can perform a wide range of services, but it’s the trucking jobs that are really in need. In March of 2010 we witnessed the lowest point on the JOC For-Hire Trucking Employment Index when it bottomed out at 85.3. It’s now up to 96.8. Unfortunately, for-hire trucking employment is around 3.6 percent from its peak in 2007.

There remain people who have fallen through the cracks and remain unemployed. Portions of these people are a perfect fit for the trucking industry, and carriers are trying to attract people like you into a career driving trucks. The truth is that truck drivers are a very diverse group that includes men, women, every race, big city and small town folks from all over. Some people have been trucking their entire lives and come from many generations of truckers. Some are first generation truckers who simply answered a calling for the open road. Some drive long routes while others keep it short and have dinner at home every night.

Spirit Miller Driveaway Services is a perfect choice for a trucker who wants to be part of the industry but wants the freedom to choose his or her own schedule. For more information, visit us online today and start your career in the trucking industry.