Trucking industry forecasters have just handed trucking companies, nationwide, a peek into the future — and it’s a mighty rosy one for 2018, and beyond. With this heads-up, trucking company owners have begun planning for steady growth. In part, that means purchasing more trucks and trailers, and hiring more drivers.
The bearer of the good news is none other than the industry’s leading trade association, the American Trucking Association, or ATA. They predict that trucking is expected to dominate all other methods of freight transportation with that including rail.
That growth will also impact drivers and how much they can expect to take home in their pay envelopes.
For anyone thinking about jumping into a new career in trucking, now is the time to make plans of their own for the opportunities that await them.
What’s behind the predicted growth?
“Manufacturing, consumer spending and international trade are among the key contributors to the rapid growth,” writes Clarissa Hawes of Truck.com.
Start seeing more trucks!
With growth comes change.
Trucking is a federally-regulated industry. One of the federal rules already in place is the Hours-of-Service Rule (HOS). It just means that drivers, for their own safety and the safety of others who share the highways with them, can only log 11 hours of driving time within a 14-hour-day. Then drivers must not drive for the next 10 hours.
A new law now going into effect requires that all trucks must have an electronic logging device (ELD) to then ensure that drivers comply with the 11 hours on/10 hours off rule. Naturally, it will change how company dispatchers and truckers will handle freight movement.
The growth in volume and tonnage of freight goods to be moved across the U.S. is good news. Trucking companies will be looking for dedicated men and women who want a career that offers them fulfillment and personal growth.
Plan now for your future as a well-trained, licensed CDL driver. While it’s still fresh on your mind, take the next step and contact us.
