Truck Driver Shortage Critical to U.S. Economy Says Cummins

Engine manufacturing superpower Cummins is joining the American Trucking Associations (ATA) in Indianapolis this week to help draw attention to and address the nationwide shortage of driving professionals.

This effort comes as the ATA holds the National Truck Driving Championships this week at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana from Wednesday, August 10 – Saturday, August 13. During the three days more than 430 drivers from across the country, representing different companies and fleets, will be competing in various skills competitions.

Cummins is supporting the championships to bring attention to the nationwide truck driver shortage and to highlight how the profession is improving. The Columbus, Indiana-based engine manufacturer is offering ride-and-drives in downtown Indianapolis in state-of-the-art tractor-trailers with its 2017 X15 engines to showcase how technology is improving the conditions for modern day truck drivers.

“Our nation’s economy is very much dependent on the trucking industry, and at the heart of it is the driver,” said Amy Boerger, Cummins Vice President of Sales. “This week we are seeing the best of the best show their skills. And, I am proud that Cummins, with our engines and technology, helps truck-drivers work in a safer, more dependable atmosphere. Continuing and growing this proud and important segment of our economy is critical to how we do business and how Americans receive the goods they expect.”

According to the ATA, the driver shortage right now is near 48,000 and, if current trends hold, this number may reach 175,000 by 2024. The driver shortage is, in part, due to a higher population of drivers nearing retirement age. As they retire, the industry is not backfilling positions in the younger generations at a rate to match retirement attrition.

For Americans, a driver shortage could negatively impact consumer in many ways, from higher costs to have products delivered, to longer delays in receiving products, whether it is at home, the grocery or the local pharmacy.

Category: Driver Stuff, Featured