Coronavirus Challenges
The trucking industry is no stranger to adapting to new policies and procedures. The Coronavirus pandemic has presented many challenges that have required rapid change across the industry.
Just as we were settling into the relaxed HOS regulations, they change again. Just as we got comfortable with the open roads offered by fewer cars, society starts going back to work.
The economy will soon begin its recovery as people return to normal. So, what does that mean for the future of trucking?
JOB MARKET
The Coronavirus pandemic has closed the door on new drivers entering the market. Most states have required their driver licensing agencies to severely reduce operations. As many as seventeen states have shuttered them completely.
The President and CEO of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association states that nationwide, we are seeing a 40% decrease in March For the number of new CDLs issued. The CTVA forecasted the number of new drivers entering the market will be reduced by 90% for April and 70% for May.
Tenstreet, a recruiting website for truckers, says student hiring fell 35% in almost 2 months. The hiring rate for experienced drivers is down almost 30%
When these licensing agencies begin to open again, we will likely experience a surge in the number of new student drivers and trainees. An increased supply of truck drivers means driving jobs may become harder to find.
TRAFFIC INCREASES
In an April 2020 release, the American Transportation Research Institute states 87% of survey respondents have experienced shorter traffic congestion delays. The roadways have been all but cleared due to the Coronavirus pandemic’s stay-at-home measures.
Average truck speeds have increased with fewer commuter vehicles on the road. Research shows…
BetterTruckDrivingJobs.com hopes that this article addresses the Coronavirus Challenges in great detail. Feel free to add your thoughts by leaving us a comment below.
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