Truck Driver Shortage in US + Canada

Statistics show that there is a shortage of truck drivers in the year 2019. Currently, Canada reports being short around 25,000 truck drivers while the US reports a whopping shortage of around 60,000 drivers. This is predicted to increase over the next few years.

Thereof How long does it take to become a truck driver? On average, it takes about seven weeks to get your CDL (commercial driver’s license) when attending a full-time driver training program. The length of time it takes to get your CDL relies on a handful of factors. It can take as little as three weeks or upwards of six months.

Why are truck drivers quitting? Supply Chain Disruptions Could Increase as Truck Drivers Quit in Droves Due to COVID Concerns. Logistics and shipping companies across the world are facing serious staffing challenges, according to the latest data from Bloomberg.

Similarly, How do I start a career in trucking?

Steps to Becoming a Truck Driver

  1. Pass Your State’s Regular Driver’s License Exam. …
  2. Complete High School or the GED. …
  3. Start Professional Training. …
  4. Earn Your CDL and Other Relevant Endorsements. …
  5. Find Job Placement Assistance. …
  6. Complete Your Employer’s Finishing Program. …
  7. Latest Posts.

Why are truckers going on strike?

WASHINGTON — U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials have issued a bulletin warning that American truckers could begin protesting COVID-19 restrictions along the nation’s highways, causing major disruptions to travel and commerce.

Is driving an 18 wheeler hard? Most truck drivers agree that while driving an 18-wheeler isn’t necessarily hard, there is a learning curve when it comes to operating such a large vehicle. You need a lot more space to do things like make a turn, back up, or change lanes, and you’ll have significantly larger blind spots to adjust to.

Do you make good money as a truck driver?

Average truck driver pay per mile is between 28 and 40 cents per mile. Most drivers complete between 2,000 and 3,000 miles per week. That translates into average weekly pay ranging from $560 to $1,200. If you drove all 52 weeks in a year at those rates, you would earn between $29,120 and $62,400.

What is the best trucking company for a new driver? Quicklook: Best Trucking Companies Hiring Inexperienced Drivers

  • Schneider National, Inc.
  • U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc.
  • Werner Enterprises.
  • C.R. England Inc.
  • Swift Transportation.

Are truck drivers in demand 2021?

The American Trucking Associations estimates that in 2021 the truck driver shortage will hit a historic high of just over 80,000 drivers. This figure is the difference between the number of drivers currently in the market and the optimal number of drivers based on freight demand.

Can truck driving be home every night? Many drivers are drawn to local truck driving jobs because of the home time. … Local jobs typically get drivers home every night. If not every night, drivers can expect to be home almost every night. For drivers with a family, that’s hard to beat.

Is truck driving worth it 2020?

Do truckers make good money? The median annual wage for U.S. truck drivers in 2020 was just over $47,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Canada, the average salary for truckers is around $43,000. Ice road truckers in Canada are some of the highest-paid drivers in the world, averaging around $100,000.

What’s the hardest part of being a truck driver?

The Hardest Part of Starting a Trucking Career

  • Double Clutching and downshifting.
  • Straight backing, or just about any type of backing maneuver in a big rig.
  • Having the driver’s seat and the mirrors adjusted properly.
  • Making right hand turns.
  • Getting started from a stop on an incline.

Why are truck drivers boycotting Colorado?

20. A trucker-led social media campaign has exploded on TikTok, with hundreds of thousands of people weighing in. Truckers from across the country have announced that they will refuse to drive in Colorado to get Governor Jared Polis to grant Rogel Aguilera-Mederos clemency or commute part of his sentence.

What happened to the truck driver in Colorado? DENVER, Dec 30 (Reuters) – Colorado Governor Jared Polis on Thursday commuted the 110-year sentence of a truck driver convicted of vehicular homicide, reducing the prison term to 10 years after prosecutors went back to court this week in a rare move seeking leniency.

How do I become a truck driver in Canada? Requirements

  1. be at least 18 years old.
  2. hold a valid Ontario licence other than G1, G2, M, M1 or M2.
  3. pass a vision test.
  4. submit a valid medical report.
  5. pass a knowledge test about operating large trucks and tractor-trailers.
  6. pass a road test using a vehicle that meets the requirements for Class A (R)

Is being a truck driver Scary?

Not scary at all. It’s ‘scarier’ as a new driver to go down a windy, narrow country road. In fact, driving a big truck (steering, turning, etc.) is not any more difficult than driving a regular car. You’re just sitting up way higher and have a better view.

Do semis have automatic transmissions? Unlike standard automatic car transmissions, semi truck automatic transmissions are actually a manual transmission with a computer that tells it when to shift. These newer transmissions have begun to take precedence over manual transmissions due to cost, ease of use, and more.

How long does it take to get used to driving a semi truck?

The basic shifting and maneuvering skills can be learned in few weeks. To become skilled enough that you have complete confidence to go anywhere and do anything with a truck, will vary from six to eighteen months. At about twenty-four months is when drivers are pretty sure of themselves.

Do truck drivers buy their own rigs? they do not. The company purchases the trucks in large amounts from the manufacturer, and hires drivers to drive them. The company pays for costs of fuel, maintenance, tires, and so on, because they own the truck. If they run their own stuff, they buy and pay for the upkeep of their own trucks.

Can you become a millionaire as a truck driver?

So, a trucking company can turn into a tremendous success. And it can make you a Millionaire in just 2 years. Or, if mismanaged, it can become your worst nightmare.

How do truck drivers get rich? There are 4 ways that a truck driver can become rich: (i) earn income from driving and invest your savings; (ii) get your own authority and start a trucking business; (iii) buy cash-flowing assets for extra income; and (iv) buy a delivery route business.

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