driver shortage | Big Truck TV

Can Technology Address The Truck Driver Dilemma?

Chuck Melton posted on 2013/04/08 | 1 Comment |

The driver shortage is one of the most compelling issues facing fleet managers and company owners. Recently the ATA predicted that over the next decade we will need close to 100,000 new truck drivers a year to replace those who are retiring or leaving the industry. ... Read More

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Truck Plant Layoffs – What Are The Implications?

Chris Visser posted on 2013/02/15 |

As you know by now, Daimler, Mack, and Volvo recently announced layoffs at manufacturing facilities, and Navistar closed its Garland, TX plant.

My take: I’m mildly surprised, but still not overly concerned about long-term conditions. These layoffs are most likely a reaction to revised short-term order forecasts. Most media outlets have neglected to mention that the layoffs are not permanent – manufacturers are free to call the workers back once order activity picks up.... Read More

Are We Hiring Our Turnover?

Tom Kretsinger, Jr. posted on 2013/02/14 | 1 Comment |

“I am convinced that nothing we do is more important than hiring and developing people. At the end of the day you bet on people, not on strategies.”

- Lawrence Bossidy, Former COO of GE and Author

Driver Retention: The Unmentioned Wicked Problem

Jeff Karr posted on 2012/10/26 |

Let’s face it; everyone knows that driver recruiting is a wicked problem. The transportation industry is in the midst of the worst driver shortage it’s ever seen. We’ve all been to seminars on it and everyone’s looking at new ways to help bring in new drivers, but what about the drivers you already have? If you can retain more drivers, then the only recruiting needs you have are the ones that help you grow your business. ... Read More

Negligent Driver Hiring Can Bite You in the Butt

Mike Natalizio posted on 2012/07/25 | 1 Comment |

With the ever-growing driver shortage looming, many motor carriers are lowering their hiring standards to fill their empty trucks. No company wants to turn down a job because they don’t have drivers to service the account. But while to some extent you’re at the mercy of supply and demand, you still have to keep the potential for negligent hiring lawsuits top of mind.... Read More

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Driver Retention: It Comes Down to RESPECT

Mike Natalizio posted on 2012/07/20 |

The driver shortage is hitting many motor carriers hard. Recruiting new drivers is something that companies will have to make their number one priority.

The problem of driver recruiting with a diminished applicant pool is multiplied in companies with retention issues on their hands as well. From talking to many drivers in the industry, one major source of unhappiness for many drivers boils down to one word: RESPECT.... Read More

Retention, Retention, Retention The Golden Key To Consistent Profits

Bill Kistner posted on 2011/04/13 | 2 Comments |

Not sustainable, the hundreds of thousands, millions of dollars spent on driver turnover. This kind of profit drain cannot continue if your aim is to maintain, increase your profits.

The cause of high driver turnover has been industry acceptance. The drivers blame management and management points the finger at drivers. However, it is time to stop the finger pointing and take some positive action.... Read More

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Where Is The Industry Headed? Part 2

Editor's Choice posted on 2011/04/05 | 2 Comments |

Just Another Cycle, or a New Beginning? Part Two

by Richard Mikes, PhD & Lana Batts, Transport Capital Partners, LLC

New Equipment Cost Escalation

Annual cost increases for equipment in the last two decades has been around 7% per year, with most of the increases incurred in the last decade being due to EPA mandated engine changes adding approximately $15,000 per truck, coupled with poorer fuel economy and increased maintenance costs. Clearly, someone must pay the equipment bill as freight moves on truck assets owned by someone. Obviously brokers do not want to own, and even some carriers don't either, preferring instead to use independent contractors. Without adequate compensation for their capital or labor, contractors have been fleeing the industry. The economic returns to capital must be there or capital will not flow to the industry long term. This was evidenced by the fleet downsizing of the last few years. Lenders who have been 'burned' by repossessions and bankruptcies are not likely to return without seeing solid earnings evidence. The recent upward trend in Class 8 purchases is not to expand but rather to replace as carriers with an older fleet face mounting maintenance costs and a looming driver shortage.... Read More

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Safety = Savings = Profit!

Shawn M. Sullivan posted on 2011/03/21 |

Safety has always been a huge factor when it comes to determining how an insurance carrier will rate a trucking company. With the new CSA criteria, not only will motor carrier rates be based on additional safety criteria, but now individual driver's ratings and scores will also be considered. As companies and drivers alike prepare to adopt the guidelines, our industry is also preparing for a driver shortage. What can you expect the combined impact of the CSA mandate and a driver shortage to have on your business? What, if anything, should you do to prepare your business for the inevitable during 2011?... Read More

Burning Down The House

Tom Kretsinger, Jr. posted on 2011/03/15 |

"Hold tight
Wait till the party's over
Hold tight
We're in for nasty weather
There has got to be a way
Burning down the house

Here's your ticket pack your bag: time for jumpin' overboard
The transportation is here
Close enough but not too far, Maybe you know where you are
Fightin' fire with fire"
Talking Heads... Read More