Issues with trucker shortage lingering
BRUINGTON, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- A shortage of truckers and replacement parts is persisting even as the economy looks to recovery.
The Virginia Farm Bureau says farmers are producing plenty of products for interstate shipping, but it's hard to find truck drivers to move them.
According to a recent U.S. Department of Agricultural Marketing Service report, most shipping routes to major U.S. cities are operating with trucking shortages.
Economists say COVID-19 pandemic-related fears reduced the workforce during 2020, and an interrupted global supply chain has resulted in fewer trucks and parts being available.
The release adds that tightening federal regulations, driver restrictions, and increasing fuel prices are creating additional strain while the average trucker is getting older and few young people are seeking the job.
Additionally, the seasonal nature of agricultural trucking is facing a disadvantage as the U.S. economy competes for full-time drivers.
For example, an independent hauler in King and Queen County, Robert Patton of Walnut Hills Farm, had to sell a truck after a driver resigned in February.
“There just wasn’t anybody available to take his place,” he said. “So I wound up selling his piece of equipment. It costs too much to have a truck just sitting around. The numbers aren’t good.”
But now, his trucks are running, and his problem at this time is that grain is piling up and everybody is trying to get to that market.
Companies are trying to compensate by offering higher trucker wages, but people need years of experience and being a trucker is not a career that is as appealing to young people who are entering the workforce.
“Trucking is kind of a hard job, and the hours are goofy,” Patton said. “There are a lot easier ways to make a living now.”
The release says there is a bill currently before Congress that aims to address the driver shortage and enhance job opportunities for young truckers.
Under the Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act, the U.S. Department of Transportation would implement an apprenticeship program for commercial drivers under the age of 21.
Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Grain Division manager Robert Harper says he has seen a steady need for more truckers over the years, but now the issue is impacting more industries.
“In many cases, it can be unrealistic. The restrictions and regulations put on truckers,” Harper said. “And manufacturers have had to overcome some monumental hurdles with emissions, even if the air quality regulations are well-meaning.”
There is also a delivery expectation that has fueled demand for more drivers because current haulers are limited on how much time they are allowed to drive.