Seen the hysteria about the current “trucker shortage?” It affects EVERYONE’s Paychecks, grocery bills, and, well, anything you might buy that is a physical object.
But is it a trucker shortage… or just that a bunch of truckers are finding the job is coming up short?
Here’s Five Fast Facts on the Trucker Non-shortage:
- ⏰💰Time is Money - Most drivers are paid per mile. Staff shortages across that nation mean they’re sitting at loading docks with full trucks… NOT making money.
- ⏪⏩They’re Going Local - Drivers are leaving mega-carriers to work for short-haul carriers. Why? They can stay closer to home, spend less time on the road, and, frankly, get treated like human beings.
- 🧠🧠Owned? - Once upon a time drivers were being sold the story that independently owning and operating their own truck = freedom. Turns out it’s more mythical than your Uncle Larry’s girlfriend. The expenses of fuel, maintenance, and repairs mean a lot of drivers kiss a lot of their Paycheck goodbye.
- 🧒🚸 Start em’ younger - To help stop the shortage, some states want to lower the minimum age for a truck driver from 21 to 18. Which would be great because there’s also a shortage of trucker Tik Tok videos. How else would the zoomers pass the time? *Sweating emoji face*
- 🚚🛻Maybe it will lead to more moolah - Walmart is offering drivers up to $110,000 a year (double what others make) in order to attract drivers. Think others will follow suit?
🔥Bottom line: Drivers will continue to leave the industry that they once loved unless carriers adjust their business models and pay plans. Until then, we all (not just truckers) will suffer.
How do you feel about trucking conditions? Let us know by connecting with us on Social Media and be sure to share this newsletter with any friends & coworkers!
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