**More Drivers, Less Freight? Why Trucking Jobs Keep Growing During a Freight Slowdown**

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction: Ain’t this backwards?

Normally, when freight slows, so does hiring. But right now? The trucking industry’s doing the moonwalk: **freight volume’s soft** but **employment is still climbing**.

So what’s really going on?
Is this a delayed reaction? Are companies prepping for a rebound? Or are they just desperate to hang on to reliable drivers?

Let’s break it down — trucker-style.

Key Points: What’s fueling this job growth

Still short-handed: Even with less freight, companies are still hurting from the driver shortage that never really ended.

Prepping for peak? Some fleets may be hedging their bets — keeping trucks staffed in case freight rebounds this fall.

Older drivers retiring: Many seasoned drivers hung up the keys after the pandemic rush. The industry’s scrambling to replace ‘em.

CDL schools are pumping out new drivers: A wave of fresh CDLs are entering the field, eager but green.

Retention over layoffs: Some carriers are choosing to hold on to drivers — even if they’re running fewer miles — just to avoid starting over when things pick back up.

Multiple Perspectives: What this means for YOU

Company drivers: More job listings don’t always mean better pay. Many carriers are cutting miles or adding fine print. Look beyond the bonus.

Owner-operators: If you're leasing on or running under your own authority, this could be a warning sign: More drivers + soft freight = more competition for loads.

New drivers: Now might be a great time to get in if you play it smart. Don’t jump on the first offer — vet companies hard. Ask real drivers.

Dispatchers and recruiters: You might be hiring, but keeping drivers happy during a slow season? That’s a whole different beast.

Industry Response: Adaptation in real time

Many carriers are offering sign-on bonuses again, even in a soft market — showing how much they value seats being filled.

Expect more “sliding pay scales” based on freight volume — something drivers should watch for in contracts.

Some companies are expanding into last-mile or regional work, where freight is more stable right now.

The Bottom Line:

The job boards might look hot, but don’t let that fool you — **miles and take-home pay tell the real story.** This hiring boom may not mean a freight boom is coming. It might just mean fleets are trying to hedge against another shortage.
So if you're out here hustling during a slowdown, don’t just chase the next job — chase security.
Ask: Who’s stable? Who’s fair when times are slow? That’s the company you want when the fuel card gets tight.

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