The temporary shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline only highlighted the truck driver shortage. Louisiana Motor Transport Association Executive Director Renee Amar said the driver shortage was already an issue well before the pandemic, at least 15 years, and they need tens of thousands of drivers monthly.
“It’s a population that’s aging out and a little more difficult for us to recruit women into the workforce, and it’s a unique lifestyle that people want to live if they want to be truck drivers,” said Amar.
During the pandemic, the need for tank truck drivers decreased and many found other employment opportunities.
Amar said due to the aging population of experienced drivers many chose to retire early and that only added to the shortage. Amar said consumers should expect to see an increase in prices and….
“Usually if you have a shortage of truck drivers that means that there are less trucks on the road delivering the goods to our homes and to the stores and so we might see some lag time issues there,” said Amar.
Because are having to pay higher wages and bonuses to retain and entice drivers. Amar said the costs will be passed on to consumers.
To assist the issue Amar said there’s legislation to help train potential CDL-licensed drivers and the association is also looking at scholarships to entice more drivers to the workforce.
“It’s just a workforce issue getting people into the pipeline also getting people interested in truck driving and understanding the technology that’s in those trucks,” said Amar.
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