Challenges in the Trucking Industry

The global pandemic and its effects have upended many industries. And the trucking industry is no exception. The global crisis has changed the livelihoods of many people involved in the industry. According to the American Transportation Research Institute, the current year is the most unpredictable and chaotic period for truckers in several decades.

From supply chain disruptions to the nationwide driver shortage, trucking businesses are experiencing numerous problems.

Here’s a list of some of the major challenges in the trucking industry.

Challenges in the Trucking Industry

DEF Sensor Shortage

One of the key issues hurting the industry in the US is the DEF sensor shortage. The sensor helps truck drivers monitor or check the quality of their fuel emissions. The lack of sensors has affected how many rigs are on the road.

Note that trucks are unable to operate if sensors don’t function. The shortage of DEF sensors in rigs is due to the lack of a fuel exhaust fluid called “urea.” The fluid is an important component to keep the sensor functioning. Using low-grade urea in the DEF sensor causes degradation of the SCR system. It can also cause the truck to break down.

Driver Shortage

Did you know the US will need more than 160,000 new truckers by 2028?

The driver shortage is another top concern affecting the overall operation of the trucking industry. As freight demand has returned to pre-pandemic numbers, trucking companies struggle with a shortage of drivers. The majority of drivers leave the industry due to:

COVID-related concerns
Retirement
Long hours away from home
Pay
Other

Congress and many federal agencies are developing various apprenticeship programs to attract and retain drivers.

Fleets are searching for a young cohort of truckers to fill the vacancies. According to the agencies, opening interstate positions for young drivers is a great strategy to solve the shortage.

State Laws and Regulations

Environmental laws and bills, such as the Clean Air Act (passed in California), have also impacted trucking operations. The state also signed California Assembly Bill Five in September 2019. The bill banned owner-operators from conducting business in the state. It’s greatly impacted the supply chain across the country.

Other laws and regulations that affect the industry are HOS, ELDs, driver eligibility, and wage requirements.

Summing Up

Though the inefficiencies in the trucking industry existed before COVID, they compounded when supplies and production resumed. New environmental laws, fuel prices, and driver shortages in the country are major challenges fleets face nowadays.

The situation is worsening and requires the trucking industry to develop long-term solutions. Thus, the industry needs to rethink its policies and streamline business operations to deal with these issues.