Page 36 - Arkansas Trucking Report Volume 22 Issue 6

Trucking’s Crystal Ball

ATRI survey reveals trucking’s biggest concerns

TOP 5 INTERCONNECTED
INDUSTRY CONCERNS
For the first time since 2006,
the driver shortage topped the list of
industry concerns. Improving eco-
nomic growth in the U.S. has many
concerned that the demand for truck
drivers will further outpace the sup-
ply of qualified drivers. The latest
estimate from the American Trucking
Associations has the driver shortage
climbing above 174,000 drivers by
2026 if current trends continue.
Where will those new drivers
come from? It’s clear that the industry
has to look beyond its current base of
middle-aged males. An ATRI analysis of
2016 data from the U.S. Census Bureau
shows that nearly 57 percent of our
workforce is 45 and older, while just 4.4
percent is aged 20-24. And that percent-
age is down from our 2013 data analysis
what they mean for you and your which showed 4.9 percent of our work-
By Rebecca M. Brewster business. force in that youngest age bracket.
Guest Writer One such indicator of cur- Survey respondents believe the top
rent trends and future issues for the strategy for addressing the driver short-
In today’s world, immediacy rules. trucking industry is the American age is to work with state and federal
Order something online in the morn- Transportation Research Institute’s authorities to develop a graduated CDL
ing — have it delivered that afternoon. annual Top Industry Issues Survey. program to attract safe younger drivers
Want to know about your friend’s vaca- ATRI’s annual survey is launched every to the industry. This is a top research pri-
tion — log onto their Facebook page. August and asks trucking industry ority for ATRI as well, and work is under-
Concerned about geopolitical interac- stakeholders — motor carriers and pro- way to develop and test a younger driver
tions — check Twitter. fessional drivers — to select their top assessment tool — one that would reliably
Knowing the here and now is easy. issues of concern and identify key strat- identify young individuals possessing the
Predicting the future more reliably than egies for addressing each issue. same traits as safe, older drivers.
Tarot cards and crystal balls, a little The 2017 Top Industry Issues Number two on the list of top con-
more challenging. And, strategically Survey results released in October cerns is the electronic logging device
planning for the future requires an provide a good roadmap for what the mandate. After a number of legal chal-
understanding of current trends and industry can expect in 2018. lenges, FMCSA’s long-awaited ELD

36 Issue 6 2017 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT