It’s no secret that the No. 1 challenge facing America right now is unemployment. Late in 2011, the unemployment rate remained stalled at around 9 percent. Given the economic outlook for 2012, no one expects a major jobs recovery, but that’s exactly what we need to get America growing again at a robust rate.
In light of this, I can’t understand why the trucking industry is poised to experience an even more severe driver shortage. After reading all reports on the truckload capacity crunch, I think it’s important to note the capacity issue is as much about a lack of drivers as it is a lack of equipment.
I believe there are three things the nation can do right now to create good-paying blue-collar jobs in the trucking industry.
No. 1: Let everyone know it’s cool to be a truck driver. Europe has long established apprenticeships for truck drivers. It’s a respected profession, as it should be. What are we doing in America to encourage young people to explore the field?
No. 2: Change the licensing requirements. Why can an 18-year-old go fight overseas and drive Humvees, but he or she can’t get a commercial driver’s license endorsement to carry freight over state lines until 21 years of age?
No. 3: For all of those men and women coming back from driving Humvees overseas, shouldn’t we let them know there is an industry that needs to fill jobs now? Why not develop a program to offer returning military personel a free chance to earn a CDL?
These are exactly the focused, dedicated and responsible young people we are looking for to take our industry into the future. Help wanted.