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Slow Economy Eases Lack of Truck Drivers
The slowing economy and high rate of trucking company failures in 2000 have eased the acute shortage of truck drivers — at least momentarily — and given companies a break from escalating driver-pay increases, according to several trucking executives.The relief from pinched labor markets and sharp pay increases may be short-lived, however, possibly ending as early as spring when increased construction activity siphons some over-the-road drivers into other occupations, industry observers said.“The bankruptcies have given the industry a breather on the driver shortage,” said Donald A. Broughton, trucking analyst at A.G. Edwards & Sons. “This is still a chronic problem, but it’s absolutely better than it was before.”For the full story, see the Feb. 26 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.
