Today, many American workforce works in some aspect of the trucking industry. From truckers to app developers to salespeople, there are hundreds of thousands of Americans making a living off of the industry.
However, as COVID-19 continues to spread across the country, trucking companies are finding it tougher than ever to stay afloat. If you work for or own a trucking company, the forecast for the rest of the year is nothing but bad news.
So what does the rest of the year look like? Below, we break down the biggest challenges facing the industry and how it will shape up for trucking companies across the United States.
Driver Shortage
The trucking industry is facing a driver shortage, and this is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry in 2022. There are several factors that have contributed to this shortage. One of the most significant factors is the retirement of the baby boomer generation.
Trucking is a demanding profession, and it can be difficult to find people who are willing and able to do the job. This shortage of drivers is likely to lead to higher prices for goods that are transported by truck, and it may also lead to delays in the delivery of goods.
Diesel Fuel Rising
With fuel prices expected to continue to increase, companies will struggle to keep up with the rising trucking fuel costs. Many companies are already cutting back on their fleet sizes and routes in order to save money, and this trend is likely to continue in the coming years.
As the industry faces higher fuel costs and other challenges, it is important for companies to adapt and find ways to save money. One way to address this is by engaging fleet fueling companies.
More Regulations
Regulations are becoming more strict, meaning that trucking companies will have to invest more in compliance. This will lead to higher costs and less profit for companies.
With the Hours of Service rules going in effect in 2020, and the ELD Mandate beginning in 2021, trucking companies will have to make significant changes to how they operate. This will increase trucking costs and make it harder for small companies to stay in business.
Increasing Congestion
With more and more trucks on the road, congestion is only going to increase, making it more difficult for drivers to get where they need to go in a timely manner. This could lead to delays in shipments, which could have a major impact on businesses that rely on trucking to move their goods.
Trucking Industry Challenges
In conclusion, the trucking industry will face many challenges in the coming years. With advances in technology, the industry must adapt to changing customer demands and expectations. Despite these challenges, the industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
Keep reading our blogs for more industry updates and tips for flourishing on the roadways.
