Supply Chain, Truck Driver Shortage, Rising Gas Prices, and More Industry News

Issues like the supply chain, truck driver shortage, and rising gas prices are all affecting the trucking industry in a big way. Keeping tabs on the latest trucking industry news not only keeps you up to date but also helps you deal with the issues at hand in a smart, informed way. Staying up to date can also help you predict and prevent future roadblocks. So to stay informed and steer clear of snags, keep reading to learn more about issues with supply chain, truck driver shortage, and more.

Supply Chain, Truck Driver Shortage, and More

Truck driving is the lifeblood of the United States economy, so when current events impact driver availability, gas prices, and the supply chain, the entire economy suffers. However, by keeping up with industry news, you can stay ahead of the curve. Keep reading to learn more about current events in the trucking world and how they’re connected, such as:

Supply Chain Issues

Truck drivers are a vital part of the supply chain. If you take a glance around your home or office, there’s a good chance that most items were transported via truck at some point in the process. That’s how crucial truckers and truck driving are to our economy. 

However, supply chain disruptions have been rampant for the past few years, from the lingering effects of the pandemic to new and renewed global conflicts. During the pandemic, national lockdowns stimied or halted supply chains, disrupting manufacturing by inhibiting the flow of raw materials and goods. The shortage of inputs from impacted businesses, in turn, impacted the whole supply chain, creating widespread shortages. Consequently, the prices of everything have gone up. Supply chain issues impact every part of the economy, and consumers are the ones who feel the pain most acutely. Big companies can still make money by raising prices on consumer goods, but the average joe will pay more out of pocket to keep those corporations in the green.

The Ukraine-Russia war will also likely impact the supply chain, especially with the looming threat of a gas shortage (as discussed below). Truck drivers are essential workers and a key part of the nation’s supply chain, and without the readily available gas needed to fuel their vehicles and transport cargo, the supply chain may suffer. 

Truck Driver Shortage

For the past decade, the United States has been struggling with supply chain issues, truck driver shortage, and more. But in the past year, the truck driver shortage has gotten much more pressing, and the need for more truckers is increasingly urgent. There are way more open jobs than there are drivers to fill them, and the American supply chain has been feeling the pain.

According to the American Trucking Association, the United States is short about 80,000 truck drivers. That’s a big issue when 72% of the U.S.’s cargo is moved by truck, meaning consumers can’t get the groceries they want, the gas they need, or the packages they ordered without a lot of overtime work performed by the truck drivers still operating. And while the truck driver shortage isn’t necessarily a new problem, the pandemic and global conflicts have exacerbated the shortage and caused more supply chain backups. All of these factors create a domino effect, leading to industry slowdowns and lengthy delays.

So if you’re looking to get out of a boring office job and benefit your country at the same time, consider a career in trucking! With good benefits, competitive pay, and lots of chances for adventure, truck driving is the perfect career for the bold and the brave. Plus, you can feel good about helping out your country and your neighbors at the same time.

Rising Gas Prices

Inflation is plaguing many aspects of the American economy, especially gas prices. Not only does this affect the average American consumer, canceling out the financial benefits of pay raises and side hustles, it also affects the trucking industry. Because many commercial motor vehicles have diesel engines, truck drivers have been hit especially hard by the drastic increase in gas prices. While standard gasoline has gone up a whopping 79 cents per gallon, diesel has gone up even more. Diesel gasoline now costs over $2 more than what it did last year. And if the truck driver pay rates don’t increase along with the rise in gas prices, we’re liable to see an even bigger spike in the truck driver shortage. 

This is a no-go. Because the increase in gas prices has prompted consumers to buy more products online and drive less, there’s even more pressure on truck drivers to transport more and more cargo faster and cheaper. This increase in the need for shipping and transportation is understandable from a consumer perspective, but we need to address the strain this puts on truckers and the trucking industry.

Navigate the Industry with Truck Driver Institute 

From issues with the supply chain, truck driver shortage, and rising gas prices, the trucking industry has been hit hard in recent months. These issues are all interconnected, exacerbating one another and making it harder to solve any one problem by itself. However, that does mean that when one issue gets better, the others are liable to improve, too. And if we can get more truckers out on the road and transporting cargo for better wages, it may alleviate some of the strain on the American economy.

If you need a good job with competitive wages and hearty benefits, consider truck driving. You can get your commercial drivers’ license in three weeks with Truck Driver Institute (TDI). Not only will you make a good living for yourself, but you’ll also help your country, transporting vital goods and cargo across the nation. Whether you’ve driven a truck before or you’re thinking about a career as a trucker for the first time, TDI is prepared to kickstart your trucking career. We have eleven training centers located in eight different states, so finding a local campus is easier than ever. Contact us to find out more about our 3-week CDL training program, and you’ll be on the road in no time!