More Ag Truck Drivers Needed Into the Future

When it comes to the overall Ag economy, trucking fresh goods to market or processing is a key component of the chain.  Yet, the Ag truck industry faces a shortage of drivers, now and well into the next decade.  John Sampson of the American Trucking Association, said they are doing many things trying to get additional drivers behind the wheel.

"An increase in money, salary, bonuses, that's something some of the larger carriers are doing. More flexible schedules, not as many long trips, so certain things they're trying to do to make it more driver-friendly."

A pilot program underway is encouraging military veterans and reservists in the 18-to-20 year-old range to train and obtain their CDL license.  Yet, that demographic faces challenges in entering this career field, including, "Insurance is definitely a big one. You think of personal car insurance, it's not until 25 when you really start to see those rates decrease. The same thing goes for the larger truck side," Sampson noted.

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