Driver Turnover Declines in Second Quarter, ATA Says

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river turnover rates declined in the second quarter, American Trucking Associations said Friday.

The large truckload carrier rate in the second quarter fell to it lowest level since the fourth quarter of 2003, dropping to 110% from 116% percent in the first quarter, ATA said in a statement.

The small motor carrier rate fell to 100% in the second quarter, an 11% decrease from the first quarter.

“Despite reduced rates among both groups, driver turnover remains relatively high by 1990 standards,” said Bob Costello, chief economist for ATA. “This is a clear signal that the driver shortage has become more acute in recent years.”

Meanwhile, the less-than-truckload line-haul driver annualized turnover rate remained flat at 13 percent in the second quarter, ATA said.

Costello also said large truckload carriers added 1.9% to their payrolls in the second quarter, while small carriers saw payroll gains of 2.2%. LTL carriers reduced employment during the second quarter by 0.4%.