Driver shortage.
These two buzzwords are used commonly when referring to what is going on in trucking today. Whether it’s a government official making the claim, or a logistics media company such as Freight Waves, it seems that the opinions are quite different, depending on where you look and who you listen to.
Articles are being written, and news agencies are discussing the driver shortage with leading “experts” in the field. We don’t have enough drivers, they say, while another “expert” is saying, we have more than enough drivers, don’t be silly!
What can cause such a disarray of opinions on something that should come down to simple mathematics?
Either there is a shortage or there is not a shortage, correct?
A shortage in and of itself, means that there is < less than a number, than there should be. In this case, trucking companies should declare that they don’t have enough drivers to fill their trucks. And while some companies have made this declaration, others have not and disagree with the statement.
At Ninja Dispatch, we deal with truck drivers and trucking companies. It’s our business, it’s what we do. In this opinion piece article, we will state what we think may be occurring and why there are such differences when it comes to whether or not there is a driver shortage.
It’s All About The Money Baby
Cha-ching! Imagine the sound of a cash machine while reading that.
So, it all comes down to money, right? This is why people go into business. Sure, there are some businessmen out there who like to boast about their altruistic, philanthropic reasons behind their ventures, but let’s not kid ourselves. It all about that cold hard dollar at the end of the day. And especially when we’re talking about trucking, only leather skinned businessmen can make the cut.
Now, you may be asking yourself, what does money have to do with the driver shortage?
Well, let’s jump into it.
We’ve noticed that companies that are having a hard time finding drivers, are also companies that do not want to pay competitive salaries to their drivers and employees.
While, companies that pay salaries that are above the market rate, don’t really ever have a problem keeping their truck rolling.
Could this be why some businesses are reporting that there is a driver shortage? Is it because they are not paying enough money to their drivers? This could be one of the reasons alongside the location of the company.
Businesses that are located in more rural areas, offer fewer opportunities for jobseekers. This puts the power in the hands of the businesses that are looking to employ people. If there isn’t a competition for jobs, then businesses can end up paying less than desired wages.
The opposite holds true for businesses that are located in more densely populated areas. The job market is more abundant with a variety of jobs, therefore in order to be competitive, the trucking companies have to pay higher wages in order to attract drivers.
Are Truck Drivers A Dying Breed?
This may be a controversial take, but could the shortage not be of drivers, but of good drivers? Are the old school style truckers, a breed that no longer exists in today’s logistics landscape?
There is no data backing this up, other than first-hand experiences and conversations had with trucking companies, but it seems that the big issues they all face is finding, good quality drivers. If there was deeper research done, we would venture to say that CDL schools are being filled up by a different type of student, compared to who was attending five, ten or even twenty years ago.
CDL schools make their money by selling their courses and teaching someone how to drive a big rig. But what happens when the new class of truckers joins because this is the best job that they could get without a degree?
There is a driver shortage. A shortage of drivers that are of a higher quality.
Majority of new drivers do not understand what it takes to be a successful truck driver. Due to YouTube and trucking influencers that promote and showcase how much money they make, new drivers think they’re getting into a get rich quick scheme. They’re not taking into consideration the sacrifices that need to happen in order to be making good money.
At Ninja Dispatch, we receive emails and requests for working daily from drivers who have just gotten their CDL and bought a truck. It’s quite discouraging to see how many of these companies are set up to fail.
They are interested in local work, being home daily, quick loading and unloading, and oh yea, making A LOT of money!
These are things that a new company owner in trucking should not even consider. Being home daily means that your truck is not rolling. If the wheels don’t roll, your truck does not make money. It’s as simple as that.
Let’s Wrap It Up About The Driver Shortage
The perceived driver shortage in the trucking industry is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including wages, company location, and the quality of drivers entering the field. At Ninja Dispatch, we believe that addressing these underlying issues is crucial for the industry’s sustainability and growth.
At Ninja Dispatch, we pride ourselves on being experts in the field of dispatching. Our team of seasoned professionals works tirelessly to ensure that both truck drivers and trucking companies operate smoothly and efficiently. We provide round-the-clock support, leveraging our unique position in Bucharest to cover night shifts in the United States with ease. This ensures that our clients receive the best possible service, customized to their specific needs.
Our dedication to excellence and our deep understanding of the trucking industry set us apart. We are not just dispatchers; we are partners in your success. Whether you’re a driver looking for reliable support or a trucking company in need of expert dispatch services, Ninja Dispatch is here to help you navigate the complexities of the industry. Contact us today to learn more about how we can contribute to your success and keep your business moving forward.
