White House Unveils Plan to Combat Trucker Shortage

The common rule of thumb used in the trucking industry is that there is work equal to 80,000 more truckers than there are drivers to do that work. The simplest solution to this would be to increase the pay of truckers to attract more talent, but the business is more complicated than that. To that end, the White House has released a statement regarding what it calls the Trucking Action Plan (TAP).

What TAP Entails

Like most governmental announcements, the TAP statement is anything but concise. To get the full story for yourself, you will want to read the 2,300 word statement. For those of us who would rather be out on the road, here is a condensed version.

Registered Apprenticeships

The White House is hoping to expand the Registered Apprenticeship program approved by the Department of Labor (DOL). Contrasting to a similar Trump proposal, the program is driven by the government rather than the industry. The DOL is using a program called FASTPORT to work with employers, unions, and industry associations so that they may establish their Registered Apprenticeship programs.

Veterans

The Off-Base Transition Training Pilot Program helps veterans transfer to a civilian job once completed with their service. The DOL hopes to use it to make trucking a viable civilian career for veterans.

Driving Good Jobs

The Department of Transportation and DOL are working together to start what they call the Driving Good Jobs initiative. Its purpose is to raise the quality-of-life truckers participate in to reduce turnover and increase retention. Some of its planned projects include:

• Setting up a task force to investigate predatory truck leasing arrangements.
• Studying the issue of unpaid detention time.
• A pilot program that allows drivers under 21 to travel across state lines with rigorous mentorship.
• Hosting listening sessions to hear thoughts from industry stakeholders.

Conclusion

At this point, a lot of these points brought to the forefront by Biden have been talked about for years, if not decades. Whether it is younger drivers traveling interstate or stopping unpaid loading time, many of the problems facing the trucking industry require a lot fewer hearing sessions and more action to resolve. We hope that these issues of recruitment and retention are solved through the TAP, but based on our experience in the trucking industry, we predict that bureaucracy will rear its ugly head yet again and the can will be kicked further down the road until the next administration.

Top Trending Trucking Articles

• FMCSA COVID-19 Emergency Extended Another Three Months
• NTEA Cancels Conference, but not for the Reason You Expect
• Johnny Cash and the Distance to go Everywhere, Man
• CTA Petitions the Supreme Court
• Senate Passes INVEST in America Act
• Trucking Insurance Bill Reintroduced to Congress
• Biden Signs Executive Order on Truck Emissions

ABOUT TOPMARK FUNDING

TopMark Funding is a top-rated semi-truck financing and trailer financing company located in Roseville, CA. We specialize in commercial trucking and heavy equipment. Our mission is to become your long-term financial partner by helping you grow your trucking business and fleet.

We’re not here for the short-term, we’re on the long-haul with you!

We have financing options for trailers, semi-trucks, commercial trucks, and small businesses. We have great rates, low down payments, and flexible monthly payments regardless of credit history.

Learn more about Trailer Financing.

Fill out the contact form or give us a call at (866) 627-6644. One of our truck financing specialists will contact you as soon as possible to go over your truck lease needs and learn more about you and your business financing goals.