The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly every industry, including trucking. Truckers have put themselves on the front lines, helping America get through a crisis. If you鈥檙e thinking about joining the industry, it鈥檚 important to understand how the pandemic and other crises can affect truck drivers. Here鈥檚 what you should know.
How COVID-19 Has Impacted Trucking
From the start of the pandemic, truckers have been a core element of America鈥檚 response to COVID-19. For example, transportation companies have been responsible for shipping water, food, PPE equipment, and medical supplies to areas with a lot of cases, including New York, South Dakota, and Florida. They鈥檝e also transported ventilators to hospitals and face masks to police stations and fire departments.
The pandemic has also impacted which types of products truckers are hauling. For example, panic buying has increased the demand for medical supplies and home items, like toilet paper, hand sanitizer, soap, and groceries. Certain industries, such as the automotive sector, have seen decreases in production, and they鈥檝e shifted to manufacturing health care supplies.
Challenges for Truck Drivers During the Pandemic聽聽
According to the American Trucking Associations, , with the shortage predicted to rise to 160,000 by 2028. This trend was spurred further by the pandemic, as some older drivers retired early to avoid the risks of COVID-19. Fewer truckers available to work has meant more pressure on current drivers and transportation companies to keep up with demand.
Shutdowns and new regulations have impacted new drivers, as they鈥檝e had a hard time completing their commercial driver鈥檚 license requirements (CDL). Plus, the government agencies that issue CDLs have been slowed down by the pandemic, requiring drivers to do more preparation and wait longer for paperwork. Fortunately, truck driving schools help their students meet their requirements and deal with government bureaucracy.
The Importance of the Trucking Industry
The pandemic has shown that truckers are unsung heroes. They鈥檙e there for other Americans when store shelves are empty and hospitals desperately need medical equipment. They put in long hours on the road so that people can stay home, and the economy can continue to function.
Truck drivers are also putting their health at risk during the pandemic, traveling long distances and interacting with others along the way. Finally, they work hard to drive safely and take extra steps to protect against COVID-19, including social distancing and disinfecting their vehicles.
Our CDL program will allow you to join a lucrative and growing industry鈥攅ven during a difficult time. We鈥檒l help you weather the pandemic, ensuring that you stay safe and earn more. Call (330) 239-2229 to speak to an admissions officer.
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