CHALLENGES AND ISSUES IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY

USA Fleet Supply is the leading manufacturer and distributor of trucking, warehouse, and shipping needs. We offer more than 30,000 products, including trucking and commercial safety, training, and compliance materials. We are also the nation’s largest supplier of shipping and packaging supplies, warehouse equipment and signs, medical and trucking forms, and more. We ensure the satisfaction of our clients, whether commercial trucking, medical, or warehouse safety personnel and professionals with our great service and low prices.

The trucking industry plays a vital role in our lives and the economy. Trucks facilitate the movement of commodities from place to place, and they have a critical function in waste management. Without them, we would experience shortages of products and services necessary in our daily lives.

This industry has its challenges and issues like any other sector. Active participation of stakeholders in overcoming these issues is important to arrive at effective, long-term solutions. Here are some of the concerns faced by the trucking industry in the last few years:

1.      High Fuel Costs

Spiking fuel costs serve the biggest challenge to the trucking industry.  Shipping costs directly vary with fuel cost. To address this challenge, business owners, especially car companies, develop more efficient engines to compensate for costs related to fuel consumption. In turn, the trucking industry is affected by increased vehicle costs. However, the high capital cost of more efficient vehicles can be offset by larger savings in fuel costs in the long run.

2.      Driver Shortage and Retention

Drivers are the most important factor of any trucking business. Therefore, the trucking business owners must always prioritize their welfare and safety to improve driver retention. The aging workforce is leaving the trucking industry with a driver shortage. This driver shortage strains the trucking industry as driver fatigue due to long hours of service causes road accidents. Some drivers work for extended periods to meet unrealistic delivery schedules. Additionally, the demanding hiring process imposed by the government slows down the recruitment of drivers. Trucking business owners can strategically prevent losing drivers by investing in their health insurance and fitness.

3.      Limited Truck Parking

There is limited truck parking for drivers to rest in between their hours of service. Resting when necessary avoids overfatigue, allowing drivers to reach destinations safely. However, most rural areas have few truck stops. Many of these are not in good condition or are already occupied.

4.     Changing Regulations

The government primarily controls trucking operations. Changes in the previous regulations affect not only the trucking business owners but also the drivers. Some of the amendments implemented are in hours of service, use of electronic logging devices, minimum wage requirements, and commercial driver’s licenses. The government is very particular in monitoring whether a driver has committed any violation of the drug and alcohol testing program. This move aims to improve safe driving, but this would require few more actions to comply. Carriers have to shell out money to query on the drug and alcohol clearinghouse database when hiring new drivers and on an annual basis for commercial driver’s license holders. Additionally, this step requires more processing time.

5.      Digitization in Trucking Operations

Technological advancements drive digital transformations. Digitizing trucking operations has a lot of benefits, including real-time package monitoring, easy location tracking, and quick logging of hours of service by drivers. Adapting these developments will make the trucking business competitive enough to attract more opportunities and increase revenues. Failure to reshape business strategies based on technological innovations will cause the business to be left behind. Trucking businesses should place strong emphasis on effective training in the use of technology.

The supply chain relies on trucks for the circulation of goods, from the transport of raw materials to the shipping of finished products. Indeed, the trucking industry helps strengthen the economy. Any challenges the industry is currently facing can be resolved with commitment and diligence.

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