by SecaucusJunction
I just had a meeting with a representative from a large trucking company. I wont say the gentleman's name or which company he works for, but the company is one of the larger intermodal shippers in the country. He stated that it was extremely difficult to recruit new drivers and that drivers are requiring more and more time at home so the truck driving market is very tight on long distance drivers. He went on to say that most of the drivers had been with the company for many years and the average age of a driver was 56 years old. This means that many of them will be retiring within the next 6 years.
I'm sure it is the same situation for the other trucking companies around as well. I knew that companies were having difficulties finding drivers, but I didnt know that it was this bleak. I'd say within the next 5 years, many of the trucking companies will look for more and more opportunities to ship via rail as the market for drivers gets even more tough.
This could be a good opportunity for the railroads if they play their cards right. Investments should be made now in the intermodal yards and capacity along their lines. With the proposed boom in freight in the next decade, I'm not sure the trucking industry will be able to handle the extra volume. If the railroads dont cooperate, look for a lot of shipments taking much longer to get anywhere.
I'm sure it is the same situation for the other trucking companies around as well. I knew that companies were having difficulties finding drivers, but I didnt know that it was this bleak. I'd say within the next 5 years, many of the trucking companies will look for more and more opportunities to ship via rail as the market for drivers gets even more tough.
This could be a good opportunity for the railroads if they play their cards right. Investments should be made now in the intermodal yards and capacity along their lines. With the proposed boom in freight in the next decade, I'm not sure the trucking industry will be able to handle the extra volume. If the railroads dont cooperate, look for a lot of shipments taking much longer to get anywhere.