Minnesota is facing a shortage of professional truck drivers. Because the freight economy is currently down, the shortage of professional truck drivers is less severe. But once things pick back up, the demand for more drivers will grow significantly.
The main reason for the shortage?
"We are predominantly a population of older white males that are retiring and we just haven't been filling up the pipeline fast enough," says John Hausladen, President of the Minnesota Trucking Association. "And so as that core group of drivers are leaving the industry, we are left with gaps."
Without truck drivers the economy doesn't move so it's critical to fill these vacancies.
"Trucking is critical to our supply chain and the quality of life that we have," Hausladen explains.
So, what are they doing to try and solve the problem?
"We've changed the equipment so that it's easier for people of all sizes and shapes to operate the equipment," he tells WCCO. "We've modified routes so people are home more frequently."
They're also good paying jobs with starting salaries around $55,000 a year for regional trucking and well into six figures for independent drivers.
Hausladen explains how they're trying to refill the pipeline.
"We are actively working to recruit from nontraditional areas, women, underrepresented populations, veterans," says Hausladen. "And then of course, just trying to make sure that younger people, even before they're able to drive truck, have interest and awareness that this is a great career opportunity."
Another challenge is that one can't drive the interstate until they're 21.
Those interested in becoming a professional truck driver must go through a Federally required training program. You can find more information here.