America: A Country of Truck Drivers
Trucking has and continues to play a very large role in the nation's economy. Based on Census Bureau data, National Public Radio has compiled an index by state of the nation's most common jobs (excluding the titles of "managers and salespersons not elsewhere classified"). The interactive map illustrates the steady increase of the truck driving profession over the years.
Click the map below to see the evolution of most common professions from 1978 - 2014:
The article continues by explaining a few of the map's most surprising trends:
What's with all the truckers?
The article points out that "driving a truck has been immune to two of the biggest trends affecting U.S. jobs - globalization and automation." Despite these growing factors, company products still need to physically move from location to location - and as of yet, machines are not yet fully capable of handling this responsibility, leaving the task to trucking owner-operators or fleets of motor carriers.
How do these few professions encompass the whole country?
Due to the rapid change in technology, jobs that used to be dependent on a specific region are declining and professions that are universally needed (such as truck drivers, school teachers, etc.) have continued to increase in demand.
Who do these truck drivers work for?
According to the Census Bureau data, truck drivers and delivery personnel are lumped into the same category - giving a very broad definition to the nation's "truck drivers" (as opposed to teachers, which are separated by specialty (primary vs. secondary, etc.))
Truckers wanted:
According to this map, trucking spans the country, but the illustration above fails to portray the industry's dwindling number of drivers. Earlier this month, the American Trucking Association (ATA) released figures on driver turnover that reflect these sentiments. The ATA anticipates the problem will continue to get worse as the nation's current drivers increase in age. Echo Global Logistics CEO Doug Waggoner states: "the average driver age is 51 and many are retiring and leaving the system, and younger people are not coming into the system." Waggoner anticipates that the shortage will eventually lead to an "element of transportation inflation."
Despite the driver shortage, trucking is still very much part of America's history, culture and economy. If you would like to learn more about the trucking profession, we invite you to visit the Trucking Moves America website, a campaign that works with policymakers and businesses to advocate and speak for the country's trucking industry.
TSA: Doing our Part for America's Truck Driver
Are you or one of your family members involved in the trucking profession? TSA (Truckers Service Association) can help truckers all over the country achieve their goals and provide peace of mind while on the road. With TrueNorth Insurance and Financial Strategies as their partner, learn how TSA can help make your decision to join the trucking industry a great and meaningful career. Call us today at (800) 877-9637.