The nation was already facing a truck driver shortage and COVID only exacerbated the issue. Louisiana Motor Transport Association Executive Director Renee Amar said the pandemic prompted a generation of drivers to retire early and they are working to have the age limit for drivers lowered and offer more CDL scholarships to reduce the shortage.
“We’re trying to take multifaceted approaches. We understand there’s not a silver bullet to fix this problem but it’s going to be years before we really see a turnaround,” said Amar.
The American Trucking Associations estimates the industry has a shortage of 60,000 drivers.
Amar said federal laws prevent drivers under the age of 21 from driving outside of their state of residence, and it’s difficult for drivers under the age of 25 to be insured to drive longer distances. Amar said they are working to change those regulations.
“And there was a pilot program that was started through the Highway Funding Bill so that would give us the opportunity to try to put some of these younger drivers behind the wheel. 18, 19, 20 years old,” said Amar.
In 2022 the association offered scholarships for individuals to receive Certified Driver’s License training to reduce the shortage. Amar said the association covered the cost for students to receive their CDL.
Amar said they are also recruiting more female drivers and working on a museum for K-12 students to introduce future generations to the industry.
“What we understand is that it’s a generational, multigenerational approach and so we’re trying to throw everything at the wall right now and see what sticks,” said Amar.
Amar said depending on what is being hauled and the distance it’s being hauled, truckers can make on average anywhere from $40,000 to $120,000 annually.
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