The Trucking Industry’s Millennial Dilemma
If you're in the transportation industry, you're aware of the truck driver shortage.
Recent articles in the Washington Post have described it as a “massive” shortage that's reached “a crisis level.” According to the American Trucking Association, by the end of 2017, the U.S. needed 51,000 more truck drivers than were currently working, and this number is expected to keep rising.
Several factors contribute to this shortage, but one stands out: Young people are not considering truck driving as a career. With the median age for drivers at 55, the shortage will only worsen as these drivers retire unless the industry can attract Millennials to the profession.
Who Are the Millennials and What Do They Want?
Millennials, also known as Gen Y, are generally defined as those born between the early 1980s and the late 1990s. They make up a significant portion of the U.S. workforce, and this percentage will continue to grow as Baby Boomers retire.
This generation is distinct from the Baby Boomers. Millennials grew up in the shadow of events like Columbine, 9/11, and the 2008 recession. They embraced technology early on, and it is integral to their lives. They typically prefer team-oriented work environments and are a very diverse generation, with 44.2% belonging to a minority race or ethnic group. Their values, shaped by their experiences, are crucial to them and their employment choices.
A survey by the University of Texas at Austin's Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations found that the top five values for Millennials (aged 18 to 34) are:
Equal pay for men and women doing the same work.
Access to good healthcare for all Americans.
Good and accessible education for all U.S. citizens.
Protection of privacy from government surveillance.
Term limits for members of Congress.
These values influence their employment decisions significantly. A survey by Deloitte found that nearly half of Millennials have turned down jobs for ethical reasons. They seek work that aligns with their values and lifestyle preferences.
Lifestyle Considerations and Challenges
The trucking industry's typically long hours and solitary lifestyle don't align well with Millennials' values and lifestyle preferences. The stereotype of the middle-aged, overweight, white trucker doesn't appeal to them either.
Moreover, fewer Millennials have driver's licenses. A study by the Transportation Research Institute at the University of Michigan reported a decrease in the percentage of Americans aged 16 to 44 with driver's licenses.
Reasons include:
Being too busy.
The high cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle.
Easy access to alternative transportation.
Additionally, Millennials have different social habits. They drink more alcohol than previous generations did at their age, though they are also more responsible about drinking and driving. However, a trend toward sober lifestyles is emerging among Millennials, favoring connection and mindfulness over alcohol.
Age and Financial Considerations
Millennials may not consider trucking careers due to the age requirement. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old to cross state lines, and by that age, many have already pursued other career paths.
While trucking can offer good pay, it often takes years of driving less desirable routes and shifts to build seniority and earn higher wages. According to LinkedIn Editor Chip Cutter, truck drivers in 2006 were making more, adjusted for the cost of living, than in 2016. Wages have not significantly increased to address the shortage.
Another barrier is the cost of trucking school, which ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. Although this is less than college tuition, it can still be out of reach for young people facing rising living costs, which have increased by as much as 22% for non-housing expenses in some cities. Rent has also surged in major cities, with some areas experiencing hikes of more than 5% in the past year.
If you're in the transportation industry, you're aware of the truck driver shortage.
Recent articles in the Washington Post have described it as a “massive” shortage that's reached “a crisis level.” According to the American Trucking Association, by the end of 2017, the U.S. needed 51,000 more truck drivers than were currently working, and this number is expected to keep rising.
Several factors contribute to this shortage, but one stands out: Young people are not considering truck driving as a career. With the median age for drivers at 55, the shortage will only worsen as these drivers retire unless the industry can attract Millennials to the profession.
Who Are the Millennials and What Do They Want?
Millennials, also known as Gen Y, are generally defined as those born between the early 1980s and the late 1990s. They make up a significant portion of the U.S. workforce, and this percentage will continue to grow as Baby Boomers retire.
This generation is distinct from the Baby Boomers. Millennials grew up in the shadow of events like Columbine, 9/11, and the 2008 recession. They embraced technology early on, and it is integral to their lives. They typically prefer team-oriented work environments and are a very diverse generation, with 44.2% belonging to a minority race or ethnic group. Their values, shaped by their experiences, are crucial to them and their employment choices.
A survey by the University of Texas at Austin's Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations found that the top five values for Millennials (aged 18 to 34) are:
Equal pay for men and women doing the same work.
Access to good healthcare for all Americans.
Good and accessible education for all U.S. citizens.
Protection of privacy from government surveillance.
Term limits for members of Congress.
These values influence their employment decisions significantly. A survey by Deloitte found that nearly half of Millennials have turned down jobs for ethical reasons. They seek work that aligns with their values and lifestyle preferences.
Lifestyle Considerations and Challenges
The trucking industry's typically long hours and solitary lifestyle don't align well with Millennials' values and lifestyle preferences. The stereotype of the middle-aged, overweight, white trucker doesn't appeal to them either.
Moreover, fewer Millennials have driver's licenses. A study by the Transportation Research Institute at the University of Michigan reported a decrease in the percentage of Americans aged 16 to 44 with driver's licenses.
Reasons include:
Being too busy.
The high cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle.
Easy access to alternative transportation.
Additionally, Millennials have different social habits. They drink more alcohol than previous generations did at their age, though they are also more responsible about drinking and driving. However, a trend toward sober lifestyles is emerging among Millennials, favoring connection and mindfulness over alcohol.
Age and Financial Considerations
Millennials may not consider trucking careers due to the age requirement. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old to cross state lines, and by that age, many have already pursued other career paths.
While trucking can offer good pay, it often takes years of driving less desirable routes and shifts to build seniority and earn higher wages. According to LinkedIn Editor Chip Cutter, truck drivers in 2006 were making more, adjusted for the cost of living, than in 2016. Wages have not significantly increased to address the shortage.
Another barrier is the cost of trucking school, which ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. Although this is less than college tuition, it can still be out of reach for young people facing rising living costs, which have increased by as much as 22% for non-housing expenses in some cities. Rent has also surged in major cities, with some areas experiencing hikes of more than 5% in the past year.
If you're in the transportation industry, you're aware of the truck driver shortage.
Recent articles in the Washington Post have described it as a “massive” shortage that's reached “a crisis level.” According to the American Trucking Association, by the end of 2017, the U.S. needed 51,000 more truck drivers than were currently working, and this number is expected to keep rising.
Several factors contribute to this shortage, but one stands out: Young people are not considering truck driving as a career. With the median age for drivers at 55, the shortage will only worsen as these drivers retire unless the industry can attract Millennials to the profession.
Who Are the Millennials and What Do They Want?
Millennials, also known as Gen Y, are generally defined as those born between the early 1980s and the late 1990s. They make up a significant portion of the U.S. workforce, and this percentage will continue to grow as Baby Boomers retire.
This generation is distinct from the Baby Boomers. Millennials grew up in the shadow of events like Columbine, 9/11, and the 2008 recession. They embraced technology early on, and it is integral to their lives. They typically prefer team-oriented work environments and are a very diverse generation, with 44.2% belonging to a minority race or ethnic group. Their values, shaped by their experiences, are crucial to them and their employment choices.
A survey by the University of Texas at Austin's Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations found that the top five values for Millennials (aged 18 to 34) are:
Equal pay for men and women doing the same work.
Access to good healthcare for all Americans.
Good and accessible education for all U.S. citizens.
Protection of privacy from government surveillance.
Term limits for members of Congress.
These values influence their employment decisions significantly. A survey by Deloitte found that nearly half of Millennials have turned down jobs for ethical reasons. They seek work that aligns with their values and lifestyle preferences.
Lifestyle Considerations and Challenges
The trucking industry's typically long hours and solitary lifestyle don't align well with Millennials' values and lifestyle preferences. The stereotype of the middle-aged, overweight, white trucker doesn't appeal to them either.
Moreover, fewer Millennials have driver's licenses. A study by the Transportation Research Institute at the University of Michigan reported a decrease in the percentage of Americans aged 16 to 44 with driver's licenses.
Reasons include:
Being too busy.
The high cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle.
Easy access to alternative transportation.
Additionally, Millennials have different social habits. They drink more alcohol than previous generations did at their age, though they are also more responsible about drinking and driving. However, a trend toward sober lifestyles is emerging among Millennials, favoring connection and mindfulness over alcohol.
Age and Financial Considerations
Millennials may not consider trucking careers due to the age requirement. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old to cross state lines, and by that age, many have already pursued other career paths.
While trucking can offer good pay, it often takes years of driving less desirable routes and shifts to build seniority and earn higher wages. According to LinkedIn Editor Chip Cutter, truck drivers in 2006 were making more, adjusted for the cost of living, than in 2016. Wages have not significantly increased to address the shortage.
Another barrier is the cost of trucking school, which ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. Although this is less than college tuition, it can still be out of reach for young people facing rising living costs, which have increased by as much as 22% for non-housing expenses in some cities. Rent has also surged in major cities, with some areas experiencing hikes of more than 5% in the past year.
