Is the Truck Driver Shortage Real – Or Just a Corporate Myth?

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction

For years, we’ve been told that America has a massive truck driver shortage. Industry leaders claim we need at least 80,000 more drivers to keep freight moving. But ask the truckers on the road, and they’ll tell you a different story: There’s no shortage of drivers—there’s a shortage of good-paying jobs. So, what’s really going on? Is this just another way for big carriers to manipulate wages while keeping freight moving at rock-bottom costs? Or is there a deeper problem at play?

Key Points

The Real Issue Isn’t a Shortage – It’s Retention – Every year, thousands of new CDL drivers enter the industry. But here’s the problem: over 90% of them quit within their first year. Why? Because the pay, conditions, and work-life balance aren’t what they were promised. The industry recruits aggressively, often making bold claims about six-figure salaries, only for drivers to discover they’re barely making ends meet after expenses.

Mega Carriers Keep the Cycle Going – Large trucking companies actively push the driver shortage narrative because it benefits them. How? By keeping wages lower and flooding the industry with new recruits who will work for less. Meanwhile, they impose harsh conditions like unpaid wait times, strict electronic logging device (ELD) rules, and never-ending dispatch pressure. This results in high turnover rates, which, ironically, they use as further proof of a “shortage.”

Older Truckers Are Leaving – And Not Being Replaced – The average trucker in America is over 50 years old, and many are retiring early because the job isn’t worth the stress anymore. Back in the day, trucking was a respectable, well-paying career. Now, with rising fuel costs, tighter regulations, and declining wages, many experienced truckers are calling it quits. Instead of raising wages to attract skilled drivers, companies are opting to hire new CDL graduates who are easier to underpay and overwork.

CDL Schools & the False Promises – If you’ve ever seen an ad for a trucking school, you’ve probably noticed they paint a pretty picture. “Make $100,000 a year! Travel the country! Be your own boss!” The reality? Many new drivers start out making just $35,000-$50,000 after deductions. Plus, many trucking schools partner with large carriers, locking new drivers into low-paying contracts with restrictive terms.

The Spot Market vs. Company Drivers
One of the biggest divides in trucking right now is between independent truckers and company

drivers:

Company drivers get a fixed wage but have to deal with corporate rules, dispatcher pressure, and forced dispatch.

Owner-operators have more control but are getting squeezed hard by low freight rates and high operating costs.

Both groups are struggling—one with low wages, the other with high expenses.

Multiple Perspectives

Truckers say: "It’s not a shortage if thousands of us are sitting home because we refuse to work for low wages!" 🚛💰

Mega carriers say: "We need more drivers!" (But keep turnover rates sky-high.) 📈

New CDL drivers say: "I was promised $100K a year – now I’m stuck in a low-paying contract." 😡

Shippers say: "Freight is moving. We just don’t want to pay more for it." 🏢

Industry Response:
Some independent truckers are taking matters into their own hands by starting cooperatives and advocating for better rates. Meanwhile, legislation like California’s AB5 law is making it harder for independent contractors, pushing more drivers into corporate jobs. But will that fix the so-called shortage? Probably not. More regulations often mean fewer options for truckers.

Another growing concern is automation. While self-driving trucks aren’t quite ready to take over, big companies are investing in AI and autonomous technology to reduce reliance on human drivers. Some truckers fear that instead of fixing pay and working conditions, companies will just replace them altogether.

What’s Next?

More truckers leaving the industry if wages don’t improve.

More government intervention trying to “fix” the problem—but will it help or hurt?

An increase in automated trucks (but not enough to replace humans—yet).

New recruitment tactics, as mega carriers try to attract more drivers.

A potential industry shake-up, as truckers push for better pay and conditions.

The Emotional Toll on Truckers
Beyond the financial struggle, truckers are feeling the mental and emotional strain of an industry that seems stacked against them. Many independent truckers say they feel betrayed by an economy that once rewarded their hard work but now punishes them with skyrocketing expenses, plummeting rates, and job insecurity. Some have left the industry entirely, while others are holding on, hoping for a turnaround.

Bottom Line:

The driver shortage isn’t about a lack of people—it’s about a lack of good jobs that make trucking worth it. Until that changes, expect this “shortage” to continue making headlines. The trucking industry is at a crossroads, and if drivers don’t start getting treated like the essential workers they are, the industry could face bigger problems down the road.


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