Taking a Closer Look at Trucking Industry Job Growth 2024

The State of the Supply Chain

The supply chain was one of the most heavily discussed, dissected, and misunderstood aspects of the economical aspects of the impact of COVID-19. Without delving into the microscopic bits of data and details as it pertains to how things have changed and rippled, we found this study from CSMPC that sums up the state well: the burden of shippers reducing their costs is no longer the primary driver or point of friction within the supply chain, rather the new primary challenge has to do with meeting demands with technology solutions. During the initial spike of COVID-19, people who spent more time at home had increased online shopping behaviors, which drastically increased demand. Despite lifted restrictions, consumer behaviors have remained consistent. It was reported that in 2017, trucks transported 72% and $10.4 trillion of all shipped goods. Suffice to say, the trucking industry remains a vital lynchpin in the growing demands of a national and global economy. 

Demand of Trucking Jobs in 2024

As we move into 2024, the demand for skilled hazmat truckers has reached unprecedented levels, driven by the critical need for safe and efficient transportation of hazardous materials. This surge is a reflection of the expanding industrial and chemical sectors, coupled with stringent safety regulations that require specialized handling and expertise. Companies, like Tri-State Hazmat, are actively seeking hazmat-certified drivers who can navigate the complexities of this niche, offering competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain top talent. This growing demand signifies not just a robust job market, but also the vital role hazmat truckers play in maintaining the backbone of our supply chain and safety standards.

Challenges Surrounding Sustainability in the Trucking Industry

As we progress into 2024, the trucking industry faces escalating sustainability challenges, notably balancing increasing fleet demands with stringent regulatory requirements aimed at environmental protection. The shift towards greener technologies, such as electric and alternative fuel vehicles, marks a significant advancement in response to these challenges. Moreover, the adoption of fuel-efficient strategies, enhanced by smart route planning and advanced logistics management, is instrumental in reducing the industry’s carbon footprint. These developments, alongside the enforcement of more rigorous emissions and safety regulations, highlight the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices while navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving transport landscape.

Questions About Fuel Costs for Truckers

The trucking industry grapples with growing concerns over fluctuating fuel costs, a trend that significantly impacts operational expenses and profit margins. These uncertainties are exacerbated by geopolitical events and environmental policies, leading to unpredictable fuel price volatility. In a study looking at the operational costs of trucking, it was found that fuel costs were the 2nd highest trucking related expense, representing an astounding 28% of operational spend. As a result, trucking companies and independent operators are increasingly exploring alternative fuel options and efficiency measures to mitigate the financial impact and maintain competitiveness in a challenging economic landscape.

Analyzing the Biggest Concerns of Truckers

Despite higher than average metrics about fairness of compensation and job satisfaction compared to other sectors of work, truck drivers still have valid concerns over the state of the industry that we wanted to take a closer look at. The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) compiled a study on the critical issues in the trucking industry. 

Truckers Concern Over the Economy

The state of the national economy has emerged as a paramount concern in the trucking industry, climbing significantly in priority this year. Influenced by a confluence of factors – from inflation and escalating diesel prices to a downturn in freight demand and falling rates – the economic landscape is impacting both motor carriers and drivers alike. As we navigate through the year, this uncertainty persists, compounded by factors such as the anticipated effects on consumer spending due to the resumption of student loan payments, and the provisional nature of federal government funding, which is due for renewal in November.

Available Parking For Truckers

Truck parking scarcity has escalated as a critical issue in the trucking industry, consistently ranking in the top ten concerns since 2012 and peaking this year as the second overall concern. This challenge isn’t new; it dates back to 1992 when the U.S. Senate prompted a study on truck parking adequacy by the Federal Highway Administration. Fast forward to the present, the enactment of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021 has catalyzed efforts to expand truck parking capacity. This initiative is underscored by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s recent announcement of $80 million in High Priority Grant Awards, marking a significant 65 percent increase in funding for truck parking projects compared to the previous year.

Driver Shortages

Driver shortages have increasingly become a focal point of concern within the trucking industry, reaching new heights in recent times. This issue, more than just a fleeting challenge, has been steadily intensifying, marked by an aging workforce and the struggle to attract new entrants into the field. Recognizing the severity of this situation, industry leaders and policymakers are now channeling efforts towards addressing this gap, focusing on initiatives such as improved training programs, enhanced driver incentives, and efforts to streamline licensing processes. These concerted actions underscore the critical need to bolster the driver workforce to sustain the industry’s vital role in the global supply chain.

Join Tri-State Hazmat 

2024 presents the trucking industry with pivotal challenges, including sustainability efforts, fluctuating fuel costs, and the critical issue of driver shortages, particularly in the hazmat sector. These challenges, amidst an evolving economic landscape, accentuate the indispensable role of skilled hazmat truck drivers in maintaining the resilience and safety of our supply chains. At Tri-State Hazmat, we’re at the forefront of addressing these industry shifts, providing our drivers with the necessary support and resources to excel. We warmly invite qualified hazmat truck drivers who are seeking a rewarding and dynamic career to join our team at Tri-State Hazmat, where excellence is not just pursued, but achieved.