The school bus industry is not the only one facing a shortage of qualified drivers, or the issue of training and retaining drivers. The trucking industry faces the same issues, and a new report by the American Trucking Association aims to help fleets recruit and retain skilled drivers.
Released in mid-July, the 92-page report found that more and more carriers are considering hiring inexperienced drivers and are turning to truck driver training schools to help them place those drivers, said Bob Costello, the association’s chief economist who conducted the report.
“Demand for new, inexperienced drivers is likely to increase at a faster pace than in the past,” he added. “Fifty-six percent of truckload fleets we spoke with said while they currently do not hire inexperienced drivers, they are considering hiring these drivers.”
The report data is broken down by carrier type and offers a “unique” view on the current state of how fleets of all types are dealing with the driver market. It includes such information as driver profiles, driver hiring and recruiting practices, and truck driver training school usage. Those interested in the report can purchase a downloadable PDF version or as a book through ATA Business Solutions or by calling (866) 821-3468.
According to the report, half of the respondents who recently closed their own truck driver training school, said they would consider reopening the school if they can’t get enough new drivers from their school partners, but only as a last resort. They would prefer to not reopen the school.
As both the trucking and school bus industries share the same challenge, perhaps this report can shed light on any solutions or practices that could either help student transporters or prompt the industry to conduct its own report.
“As the economy continues to recover, fleets need to work even harder to keep up with demand, and in turn, they need to focus more time and attention on recruiting and retaining drivers,” Costello said. “This report shows how some of our industry’s leading authorities are doing just that.”
