In fact, according to Bob Costello, Chief Economist for the American Trucking Association, “The increase in the driver shortage should be a warning to carriers, shippers and policymakers because if conditions don’t change substantively, our industry could be short just over 100,000 drivers in five years and 160,000 drivers in 2028.”

This continued decrease in drivers available could result in higher prices and even more frequently, out of stock items. For a consumer base that is becoming more reliant on in store pick-up and store to home deliveries from local stores, this problem may become more prevalent. Local, smaller companies will absolutely feel the burden of the shortage before your larger national chains but in the end, consumers who rely on trucking companies to get their goods from point A to point B, will be the ones the most affected. The fact of the matter is simple, less drivers available to transport the products we purchase on a daily basis, the less available those products will be and thus the higher the demand.

As I have mentioned before, all it not lost! The key to alleviating the driver shortage is change the societal view on what it means to be a Truck Driver. If we can get more people interested in a career in the transportation industry and change the stigma surrounding such jobs, we can help to try and fill the nearly 7.4 million job openings out there!

For more information on how the driver shortage is affecting job seekers, companies and the economy, check out the article by www.usatoday.com.

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, Trillium Marine, Trillium Technical, Trillium Environmental, and Trillium Techs. With approximately 90 offices nationwide and nearly 400 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a 2015 winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.

What can you do to maintain a qualified driver workforce? The best solution is to implement multiple recruiting and retention strategies to battle both sides of the talent war. Studies have shown that allowing employees the opportunity to work part time or seasonally, may lengthen their employment term and result in later retirements. If your workforce includes drivers of retirement age, you may consider allowing them to split shifts, work seasonally, or decrease their hours in order to maintain their experience and expertise on your team. Making sure you provide a safe and positive working environment,  competitive compensation package, and growth opportunities will also help you retain members of your team.

Attracting new drivers, can be more difficult and certainly more costly than retaining your current team. First, your organization has to be one that drivers identify as having career opportunities. Making sure that your website, trucks, and employment brand identify your organization as a company that drivers want to work for is the first step. Referrals from current and past drivers can be a huge savings to your bottom line! Work with your staff to get the word out when you have an opening, offer referral bonuses, and show your staff that you appreciate their efforts in referring safe and qualified drivers.

If you are still struggling to attract or retain drivers, or realize that you will have an upcoming talent shortage, now is the time to partner with an industry staffing expert; before it effects your clients. While many roles within your company can be cross trained, covered by other staff, or neglected, the transportation of your finished product cannot be ignored.

Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of professional drivers? Contact us today! Learn more about our Dedicated Driver Services here! Are you a safe and professional driver who is seeking a rewarding career? Visit us here to locate a driving career in your area!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.