Say What?

Question: Is there really a shortage of Drivers?

Linda Beckman, 49, Phoenix, AZ

Professional driving experience: 9 years

“There is, but I also heard there are 400,000 truck drivers looking for a new job at any given time. I guess if you count the turnover and the drivers moving from one company to another, you can consider that there is a driver shortage for the companies who lose their drivers.”

Carl Shoemaker, 58, Rock Island, TN

Professional driving experience: 22 years

“Is the driver shortage for real? That’s a good question. If you ask me, it’s a manufactured shortage, because we have so many drivers in flux. They’re in between jobs, searching for a better job than the one they just left. Is there a shortage of drivers? No. Is there a shortage of good drivers? Yes.”

Alma Shoemaker, 55, Rock Island, TN

Professional driving experience: 2 years

“I’m really not qualified to answer that question because I’ve only been out here two years. If you listen to what the companies say, yes, there is a shortage. But like my husband says, it could be just a matter of people skipping from one company to another.”

Ron “Snuffy” Smith, 52, Massillon, OH

Professional driving experience: 28 years

“Yes, in certain ways. There’s always been a lot of turnover among drivers, but most of them are young, inexperienced drivers searching for something they aren’t going to find. I’ve been out here 28 years. I know better. I have no intention of quitting my job.”

Mark Leggu, 52, Grove City, OH

Professional driving experience: 25 years

“Yes and no. No, if you count the people who got their CDLs after three weeks of training, they’ve been out here six months and might not be out another six months. Yes, if you count what I consider the true professionals.”