Many truckers feel that trucking jobs are being eliminated, citing the fact that the industry does not pay enough money. Yet the nation needs trucks. How can we prepare for the future of the trucking industry? Read on to find out. Below are some of the challenges ahead. And don’t forget to consider the future of labor, too. We’ll also look at the impacts of automation on the labor market.
Self-driving trucks
With a shortage of truck drivers, self-driving trucks could be a blessing in disguise. These automated vehicles will help speed up the delivery of orders placed online. In the meantime, they will create new jobs and increase productivity and economic activity. While the full impact of self-driving trucks is still decades away, younger truck drivers can anticipate a decline in demand for driving jobs. Meanwhile, some of the job losses might be offset by retirements and driver turnover.
If self-driving trucks are developed as early as 2025, they could eliminate as many as 294,000 truck driver jobs. Although this is a substantial number, it is important to note that a growing e-commerce industry will require local drivers to shuttle freight to ATPs. This could result in more local delivery jobs, as well. However, Viscelli says these new positions will most likely be “bad jobs” and could include independent contracting or long hours.
Recruiting new drivers
One of the most difficult aspects of truck driver recruitment is finding CDL class A over-the-road drivers. These drivers are hard to find, but can be a great addition to any transportation company. However, finding such drivers can be tricky, as skilled drivers can easily jump ship to better pay and conditions. A key component to improving truck driver recruitment is providing competitive compensation packages, which should include comprehensive benefits and signing bonuses. Listed below are some tips to improve your recruitment efforts.
Consider a unique selling point: If the company has a pet-friendly culture or specializes in shorter hauls, make sure your recruits know this. This will signal to prospective applicants that you care about your workforce. Also, consider offering a sense of community for truck drivers. For example, if you have a pet-friendly office or a trucking company that allows dogs, recruit drivers who like them. These are just a few ideas to help you stand out from competitors.
Paying drivers by the hour
Many men and women who drive trucks have some experience with pay by the hour. The amount paid for one hour of work is usually divided into multiple dollars. Some companies pay truckers by the hour, while others pay them by the route, such as those that drive within a 150-mile radius of their base of operations. Many familiar grocery and retail chains also pay truck drivers by the hour. Hourly work typically involves loading and unloading freight. Additionally, it may involve multiple stops along a route. And sometimes, the trucker doesn’t start the day with a full load of cargo.
Most over-the-road drivers can’t work 500 miles a day and stand by for 4 hours twice a week. They need to drive every day and need a guaranteed income. However, truck drivers who are able to work long hours would be unhappy with hourly pay. Paying truck drivers by the hour isn’t necessarily the best option. A truck driver’s salary is the most predictable way to ensure a steady income and a good work-life balance.
Impact of automation on the labor market
Considering the number of truck drivers and the potential impacts of automation on their jobs, a recent study by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) came to similar conclusions. This study found that, by 2021, automation will have a positive impact on the labor market for truck drivers, as it will increase GDP and increase employment. Additionally, automation will increase the demand for all workers, so any losses due to automation will be offset.
The industry employs a variety of occupations – more than 60 percent of them are truck drivers. Truck mechanics, cargo agents, and accountants are three occupations that are not at risk for automation. While automated trucks may alter the way goods are shipped, they will not supplant these technical activities. Truck drivers earn more than high school graduates. But this increase may not be enough to compensate for the loss of long-haul jobs.
