While most Americans are still struggling to find work during the Great Recession, there are jobs available driving big rigs. Companies nationwide report a shortage of drivers as freight volumes rebound from a dip in 2008. Enrollment is up for schools that prepare student truckers for their CDLs.
New safety regulations (CSA 2000) are forcing veteran drivers out and discouraging those with blemished records. A Bureau of Labor Statistics report claims 290,000 new truck drivers will be needed in the next ten years. Today, about 1.8 million drivers are employed in the industry.
Aubrey "Allen" Smith, a truckers' advocate and activist, points out that perennial driver shortages are phenomenon created by an industry which prefers low-wage new hires over the retention of veteran drivers.
From McClatchy Newspapers and AskTheTrucker
