The ATRI report examines shifting workforce patterns, including rising retirements, low female representation, and efforts to reach underrepresented drivers.

A new ATRI report shows big changes in the truck driver workforce. Drivers are getting older. Fewer women are joining the field. The average driver is now 47 years old. Many are nearing retirement. This creates pressure on fleets to find new workers.
The report says the industry must act now. It encourages trucking companies to update how they recruit drivers. The goal is to attract younger people and include more women and minorities.
The ATRI report outlines several key problems. One issue is the aging workforce. As more drivers retire, companies are left with open jobs. Another concern is low female participation. Only 4.1% of truck drivers are women.
To fix this, the ATRI suggests a new approach. Companies should improve outreach. They should also share success stories. This could help trucking appeal to a wider group of people.
The ATRI report also looks at drivers from underserved groups. These include people who were in foster care or had justice system involvement. Many in these groups want stable work. But they face barriers when trying to enter the industry.
ATRI says these challenges can be solved. Carriers can create better training programs. They can offer support during the hiring process. Case-by-case reviews may also help more people get hired.
Recruiting methods need to change. That’s another key message in the report. Younger workers look for more than just pay. They want flexibility. They want to feel respected and supported.
The report suggests using social media to reach them. It also recommends sharing the benefits of a trucking career. This can include steady income, travel, and job security.
The ATRI report gives clear advice for companies. These ideas could help them build a stronger workforce:
These steps are not costly. But they can make a big difference over time.
The trucking industry is changing fast. The report helps leaders prepare for what’s ahead. By using these ideas, fleets can hire smarter and keep drivers longer.
The report comes from the American Transportation Research Institute. It’s a nonprofit group that studies trucking and freight. Their research supports safer and more efficient transportation.
A full copy of the ATRI report is now available on ATRI’s website.
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