Better Economy, Hours Rules Seen Causing Driver Crunch

November 12, 2003 7:45 AM, EST

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n improving economy, along with the pending federal changes in driver work hours, are creating new competition for drivers for a growing number of trucking firms, forcing some to raise compensation for the first time in years, according to trucking company officials and industry analysts.

While some trucking companies say they are not feeling the pinch in their workforce, especially in the less-than-truckload sector, executives from truckload and other lines are already starting to scramble for drivers.

“Things are going to get worse,” David Goodson, director of transportation advisory services for financial services firm KPMG, said in an interview.

e said trucking had endured a significant driver shortage before the economic slowdown and recession of recent years, and “now that the economy is starting to perk up and jobs are coming back, we’re going to see people exiting the industry” for other types of work.

For the full story, see the Nov. 10 edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.