The Vision CDL Truck Driving School informs the WFAA that their class sizes are getting bigger and bigger and that freight forwarders will get their degrees after the certification.
DALLAS, Texas – This week, the American Trucking Associations announced that the U.S. needs up to 80,000 more truckers as the nation grapples with a growing supply chain problem that is fueling inflation, delaying delivery times and missing items from store shelves.
In Dallas, the Vision CDL Truck Driving School is trying to get more drivers into the shipping pipeline.
Since pictures of millions of stranded shipping containers surfaced on the west coast, the school, which has existed since 2009, has grown in class sizes.
Interest is also growing, according to Daryl Monmouth, an instructor who helps potential drivers get their learner permits.
“People are looking for a way to increase their income and support their families,” said Monmouth. “This is a multi-billion dollar industry now.”
Freight carriers do everything to attract new blood. Many hand out higher wages and incentives.
In August, US Xpress CEO Eric Fuller told Yahoo! Finance ”that his company has paid a total of 30 to 35% of the raise in the past 12 months.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average wage for a truck driver in America is $ 47,130 per year.
But in this scarcity there is money to be made; Some truckers have told news outlets that they have raised their salaries to roughly $ 70,000 a year.
A Texas freight forwarding company hit the headlines in May when it said it would pay experienced drivers $ 14,000 a week.
“I don’t know anywhere where you can get a job and make $ 70,000 or more a year without college education,” said Nathan Collier, Vision’s chief CDL auditor.
Not only that, Monmouth said hauliers turn to Vision to collect graduates after they get driving licenses.
“We have companies that call us and want to interview our students,” said Monmouth. “And they come a lot.”
The shipping pipeline can also have a younger workforce.
This week, the trucking associations called on Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg to lower the minimum age for crossing state borders with a truck from 21 to 18.
Some in the industry are wondering if a teen is ready to take on the responsibilities of an 18-wheel rider.
At Vision, Collier said he supports lowering the minimum age.
“If you can die for your country by the age of 18, you should be able to drive a truck,” said Collier.
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