Driver Shortage Deepens — But Bonuses Ain’t Fixing Burnout

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

The Trucks Are Rollin’, But the Drivers Are Dippin’

Introduction –
According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the industry is now short over 85,000 drivers, and the number’s still climbing. Big carriers are waving bigger sign-on bonuses than ever before, but truckers—especially Baby Boomers—are handing in keys faster than newbies can pick up a CDL. Retirement and burnout are driving this shortage harder than any freight load.

Key Points – Why the Shortage Keeps Getting Worse

Retirement wave is here – The average truck driver is in their mid-to-late 50s, and a lot of them are saying, “I’ve had enough.” Health issues, family time, and rising costs make retirement more appealing than one more round trip to L.A.

Burnout is real – Long hours, low pay-per-mile, disrespect at docks, and never-ending regulations? That’ll wear down even the toughest driver over time.

New drivers aren’t sticking – CDL schools are pumping out graduates, but many quit within the first year. Turns out, trucking ain't what the recruiters promised.

Rising costs kill motivation – Fuel, insurance, and maintenance are eating up profits for owner-operators, making it harder to justify staying in the game.

Real Talk – What Drivers Are Saying

“I’m tired of being treated like a number.” – Most truckers aren’t leaving because they hate the road. They’re leaving because the system treats them like they’re disposable.

“Bonuses won’t fix broken systems.” – Offering $10K to sign on means nothing if you’re running junk freight, sitting unpaid at docks, or getting micro-managed by dispatch.

“Nobody wants to train anymore.” – Veteran drivers say there’s no incentive to bring on rookies, especially when training pay is low and risk is high.

“I didn’t come out here to just survive.” – Drivers want freedom, not survival. When freedom disappears, so does the passion for the job.

Multiple Perspectives – Not Everyone Sees It the Same

Big carriers

say “more bonuses!” – Their solution? Throw money at the problem. But drivers know a $5,000 sign-on isn’t worth it if the job's miserable.

Small fleets feel the pinch – They’re losing drivers to retirement and can’t afford flashy bonuses. They rely on loyalty, which only goes so far when rates are down.

New generation wants lifestyle balance – Younger drivers aren’t here to live in a truck for 3 weeks at a time. They want time off, flexibility, and purpose.

Tech bros say “autonomous trucks will fix it” – And truckers everywhere say, “Good luck with that.” Most aren’t worried about robots—they’re more worried about respect.

Industry Response – Mostly Reactive, Not Proactive

Recruiting is aggressive – Ads promise high pay, home time, and unicorns. Reality delivers stress, schedule lies, and sleeper cabs with bad air filters.

Retention is still broken – Companies still haven’t cracked the code on keeping drivers happy long-term. Most turnover happens within 90 days.

Health and family ignored – Few carriers offer meaningful health resources or family time plans. It’s still go-go-go—and drivers are done.

Bottom Line – Until Trucking Changes, The Shortage Will Stay

Let’s call it what it is: The shortage isn’t about not finding drivers—it’s about not keeping them. The industry has a respect problem, not just a recruitment one.

Until truckers are paid fairly, treated like humans, and given real lifestyle options, they’ll keep walking away. Bonuses might get butts in seats, but they won’t keep hearts in the cab.

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