In fact, according to Bob Costello, Chief Economist for the American Trucking Association, “The increase in the driver shortage should be a warning to carriers, shippers and policymakers because if conditions don’t change substantively, our industry could be short just over 100,000 drivers in five years and 160,000 drivers in 2028.”

This continued decrease in drivers available could result in higher prices and even more frequently, out of stock items. For a consumer base that is becoming more reliant on in store pick-up and store to home deliveries from local stores, this problem may become more prevalent. Local, smaller companies will absolutely feel the burden of the shortage before your larger national chains but in the end, consumers who rely on trucking companies to get their goods from point A to point B, will be the ones the most affected. The fact of the matter is simple, less drivers available to transport the products we purchase on a daily basis, the less available those products will be and thus the higher the demand.

As I have mentioned before, all it not lost! The key to alleviating the driver shortage is change the societal view on what it means to be a Truck Driver. If we can get more people interested in a career in the transportation industry and change the stigma surrounding such jobs, we can help to try and fill the nearly 7.4 million job openings out there!

For more information on how the driver shortage is affecting job seekers, companies and the economy, check out the article by www.usatoday.com.

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, Trillium Marine, Trillium Technical, Trillium Environmental, and Trillium Techs. With approximately 90 offices nationwide and nearly 400 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a 2015 winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.

While the application and screening process can be laborious for any position, the steps involved to remain in compliance while hiring CDL drivers can be overwhelming. Did you know that in order to fulfill legal obligations you may have to:

• Obtain employment verification and drug/alcohol test results
• Obtain certificate of compliance with driver’s license requirements
• Obtain applicant’s description of previous vehicle accidents
• Obtain applicant’s statement of On Duty hours
• Obtain a copy of applicant’s DOT physical card and physical
• Obtain a copy of the applicant’s driver’s license
• Obtain a copy of the applicant’s MVR
• Obtain a negative drug screen result

While employing a driver you must also ensure that your equipment, insurance coverage, and policies remain in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations. Simply staying informed on the latest regulation and compliance changes can be a full time job.

So what should an employer who doesn’t specialize in hiring drivers do? First and foremost, an employer should determine whether or not investing in compliance, training, and insurance premiums outweighs the benefits of them outsourcing their driving staff. Second, you should determine whether a third party logistics firm or a driver staffing agency would better service your needs. A driver staffing agency can provide you with screened and qualified drivers for long and short term needs, while maintaining control and responsibility of properly screening and employing the driving staff.

Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of professional drivers? Contact us today! Learn more about our Dedicated Driver Services here! Are you a safe and professional driver who is seeking a rewarding career? Visit us here to locate a driving career in your area!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.