America Is Running Out of Truck Drivers – Here’s Why It Matters
The U.S. trucking industry is facing a critical shortage of drivers, & the Driver Shortage is worsening 2025 and the consequences are already rippling across the supply chain. As the owner of Class A Jobs 411, a national CDL driver recruiting service, I see this crisis unfolding every day from the front lines.
The Growing Driver Shortage
Trucking moves over 70% of America’s freight, yet the number of qualified drivers entering the industry is shrinking.
- According to industry reports, the U.S. is short 80,000+ drivers today, with projections that the shortage could exceed 160,000 by 2030.
- Fewer new drivers are entering the field, while thousands of experienced drivers are retiring or leaving due to lifestyle pressures and regulatory hurdles.
- Many carriers—especially small and mid‑sized fleets—are struggling to fill basic line haul, regional, and local positions, leaving freight loads waiting and customers frustrated.
Why Fewer People Are Becoming Truck Drivers
The trucking industry is essential, but it’s also demanding. The top reasons I see fewer people entering the field include:
- Lifestyle & Family Demands – Long hours and extended time away from home push younger workers to other industries.
- Training & Cost Barriers – CDL school can cost $5,000–$8,000, and many can’t afford the upfront expense.
- Safety & Compliance Pressure – Strict FMCSA regulations and electronic logging devices (ELDs) make the job more complex and stressful.
- Competing Career Options – Warehouse, construction, and delivery jobs often pay similar wages without the travel.
The Economic Ripple Effect
A driver shortage isn’t just a trucking problem—it’s an American economy problem:
- Delayed Freight: Freight sits at terminals waiting for drivers, slowing the movement of goods.
- Rising Costs: Shipping costs climb as carriers raise rates to cover vacant trucks.
- Inflation Pressure: Higher transportation costs translate directly into higher prices for groceries, furniture, and consumer goods.
We saw this during the COVID‑19 supply chain crisis, and without action, we’re heading for another one.
What Needs to Happen
If we want to keep America moving, the industry must act on several fronts:
- Promote Trucking Careers Early – High schools, trade programs, and veteran programs must highlight trucking as a viable path.
- Lower Entry Barriers – Incentives for training, tuition reimbursement, and company‑sponsored CDL programs are critical.
- Improve Driver Experience – Shorter routes, better home time, and flexible schedules can attract new talent.
- Leverage Technology & Partnerships – Smarter routing, AI matching tools, and collaboration between carriers can reduce driver burnout.
A Call to Action
As someone who works with carriers and drivers nationwide, I see the human side of this crisis:
- Families living in shelters that desperately need local jobs
- Experienced drivers leaving the industry due to fatigue and poor work‑life balance
- Carriers ready to hire but unable to find qualified candidates
If we don’t raise awareness and act now, empty trucks will mean empty store shelves.
I encourage media outlets, policymakers, and business leaders to pay attention. Trucking isn’t just a career—it’s the backbone of our economy. Without drivers, America stops moving.
Melissa Baker
Owner, Class A Jobs 411
Helping drivers find the right fit, and keeping America’s supply chain moving.
