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Where Owner-OperatorTrucking Jobs Can Take Trucking Drivers

20 January 2015 by Katie Hart

Saying that the U.S. economy is no longer in recession would be an understatement. Indeed, consumer spending has significantly risen compared to a few years ago, which shows that the U.S. economy has gotten stronger. While companies were initially complaining that no one was buying their products following the crisis, they are realizing that they don't have enough drivers to respond to the growing consumer demand. This article explains why owner-operator trucking jobs are the solution to the driver shortage issues, and how they can benefit new hires.

Origins of driver shortage

There are two reasons that were identified to explain where driver shortage issues came from:

• Expanding economy
• Demographic shift

Being a driver is considered a relatively simple job that enables one to earn quick money without much hassle, which is very important for those who have just lost their source of income, and have a family to look after. But those who apply for driving jobs often view these positions as temporary, and rarely want to have a career in this industry.

As the U.S. economy keeps on expanding, new jobs get created in popular sectors such as construction, thus stealing truck drivers away from the trucking industry. This can be explained by the fact that individuals are in search for more stable careers along with the benefits that come with them. While being a truck driver is a well-paid job, it requires spending long hours on the road, which isn't ideal for those who are raising kids.

Another reason explaining why there are fewer truck drivers is the demographic shift that is progressively taking place. It's important to be clear about the fact that there still are many people applying for trucking driver jobs out there. Yet, the number of new hires is far below that of those who are retiring each year. Indeed, there are about 100,000 people who retire from the trucking industry every year, which is more than three times the number of vacancies, according to the American Trucking Association.

Can truck leasing fix driver shortage issues?

Sometimes referred to as owner-operator trucking jobs, truck leasing is a program that allows drivers to acquire their own truck. As you might know, being an owner-operator truck driver means that you're working for a given company, receiving a salary, and making payments towards the acquisition of the truck. These positions provide an incredible incentive for those who have an entrepreneurial mind and don't see themselves being truck drivers in the long run. When it comes to truck leasing, the career advancement occurs in three phases:

• Acquisition of operating authority
• Operating as an independent contractor
• Managing a small fleet of trucks

The ultimate goal of truck leasing jobs is to turn truck drivers into self-accomplished entrepreneurs who will be able to use the knowledge that they have accumulated over the years to become successful.

One of the major benefits that owner-operator trucking jobs offer is that entrepreneurs can focus on growing their small business while being off the road. Indeed, they no longer need to cover long distances and spend weeks away from their family because they are trying to earn money. 

Drivers who are interested in truck leasing jobs and aspire to own a small fleet of trucks in the future should start developing their strategy from day 1. For example as they are working as truck drivers, they should make sure that they create strong relationships with the clients that they service, and use those contacts once they have repaid their lease and started their business.

Owner-operator trucking jobs can take truck drivers where they would have never thought possible in life. Besides, not only do they fix driver shortage issues, but they also improve the lives and future of trucking drivers.

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