Onderzoek naar de demografische trends die van invloed zijn op de vrachtwagensector in de V.S.

The trucking industry in the U.S. is undergoing significant demographic shifts that could have long-term implications. Research from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) highlights the aging workforce and challenges in attracting younger drivers, which may impact the labor supply crucial for logistics.

Aging Workforce and Gender Disparity

Many drivers in the industry are entering retirement age, with the average truck driver now being 47 years old. This trend is worrisome as it coincides with a declining interest from younger generations in pursuing a career in trucking. Currently, women make up only 4.1% of the trucking workforce, even though they represent nearly half of the total labor force in the United States.

The report notes that in February 2025, 7.1% of commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders operate as owner-operators or independent contractors, up from 6.2% in 2016. The proportion of drivers employed by larger fleets, those with more than 100 trucks, has diminished from 52.1% to 46.1% in the same timeframe. These patterns signify a shift in the industry’s labor composition that could lead to challenges in maintaining an adequate workforce for fleet operations.

Recruitment Strategies: A Need for Change

According to ATRI, the industry must broaden its recruitment strategies to attract a more diverse workforce. Targeted efforts should aim at underrepresented groups, including former foster youth and individuals involved with the justice system—who face significant barriers to employment. With approximately 60% of formerly incarcerated individuals struggling to find jobs, addressing this pool could be vital for filling labor shortages.

Amanda Schuier, Strategic Maintenance Director at Jetco Delivery, emphasizes the importance of embracing demographic changes. By enhancing recruitment efforts and focusing on inclusivity, fleets can not only improve their driver retention rates but also tackle pressing workforce challenges to create sustainable trucking careers.

Despite ongoing debates regarding a potential driver shortage, ATRI reports that many motor carriers regularly decline revenue loads during peak demand times, indicating a de facto shortage. This is particularly evident among Class 8 over-the-road drivers, illustrating the pressing issue of driver availability.

Freight Movement: The Numbers Speak

In 2022, truck drivers were responsible for transporting a staggering 72.6% of the nation’s freight by weight. As of 2024, approximately 3.58 million individuals held positions in truck driving, making up roughly 2.2% of the U.S. workforce.

Trends in age demographics show a growing share of older drivers; while drivers aged 55 and above increased by 8.6%, those under 35 only accounted for 20.4% of truck drivers compared to nearly 35% of the general labor force. This disparity raises ongoing concerns about the industry’s future as seasoned drivers retire.

Generational Breakdown and Future Workforce

Generation X constitutes the largest segment of the workforce at 40.8%, followed by baby boomers, who make up 20.7%. Millennials and Generation Z, born between 1981 and 2010, have a combined representation of only 38.2% in trucking, despite forming over half of the total labor force in the country. The sheer volume of Millennials and Generation Z seeking career options necessitates a pivot in how the industry views and accommodates new drivers.

Barriers such as federal regulations that prevent individuals under 21 from driving in interstate commerce significantly limit entry for recent graduates. Additionally, insurance costs can deter fleets from hiring younger drivers, pushing many potential candidates towards alternative career paths.

To efficiently bridge this gap, ATRI suggests that companies should not solely focus on salary offers but also market career growth opportunities, mentorship, and supportive management—factors that young drivers rate highly when choosing an employer.

Fewer New Drivers in the Pipeline

Further compounding the industry’s recruitment challenges is a noted decline in the number of teenagers obtaining driver’s licenses. Since the early 2000s, the percentage of 16-year-olds without licenses has surged from 69% to 75% in 2023. This trend can severely impede the candidacy pool for future CDL holders.

Several states have reported high rates of unlicensed adults. Notably, 25% of individuals aged 16 and older in New York and 24% in West Virginia lack a driver’s license. With access to driver education programs and the rising costs of owning a vehicle contributing to this decline, the long-term implications for truck driver availability could be dire.

Afsluitende inzichten

Ultimately, the findings emphasize an urgent call for proactive strategies within the trucking profession. While detailed reports provide critical insights, there’s no substitute for personal experiences in this industry. In light of these challenges, businesses operating in logistics must remain responsive to evolving workforce demographics. This is where platforms such as GetTransport.com come into play, providing reliable and cost-effective cargo transportation solutions that address diverse logistics needs, spanning from household moves to large freight deliveries.

The trucking industry’s changing landscape signifies vital workforce trends that logistics managers must heed. The aging demographic coupled with a lack of younger drivers signals a need for equitable strategies that align potential recruits’ desires with the realities of trucking careers. Considering these adjustments, GetTransport.com stands poised to not only facilitate affordable cargo transport but also help modernize logistics practices in light of the shifting workforce landscape. Let’s start planning your next delivery with GetTransport.com for a seamless experience!