How Women are Changing the Trucking Industry
Trucking is no easy job. With late nights and operating heavy machinery, truck driving is a demanding career that often has its employees far from home. It has been a male-dominated profession since it began, however, that is beginning to change. Over the past few years, women have started getting behind the wheel and becoming truckers themselves. This rise in women truck drivers is dramatically changing the trucking industry for the better. It has been the perfect solution to the shortage in truck drivers across the country, and it is empowering women to be more independent. However, while there are many positives to women entering the trucking industry, the change does not come without its challenges.
Women Truck Drivers Met with Skepticism
The gender gap is closing in the trucking industry, but women still have to prove their place at transportation companies. In an interview about her journey from truck driver to VP of environmental affairs and domestic plant engineering at UPS, Tamara Barker recounts her size coming into question when applying for a driving position. Referring to the human resources recruiter, Barker states, “She explained that the job of a UPS package delivery driver was a very difficult one, where candidates would be required to drive large vehicles safely and deliver 300 to 400 packages a day. She questioned my stature and ability to do that.” Despite the recruiter’s apprehension, Barker became a UPS driver and then worked her way to the top of the company.
Other women truck drivers have experienced similar skepticism and even recount male truck drivers closely watching as they back their rigs into decks. One driver with 15 years of experience states, “I’ve had men tell me, ‘Why aren’t you home having babies?’” However, it is these same women who encourage others to pursue their passions despite any challenges that may come their way.
Barker says in her interview. “I encourage women to know who they are, know what they want, and have a plan to get there. Find your style of management and be confident.”
How Women are Improving the Trucking Industry
While there may be growing pains, the influx in women truck drivers is doing a lot of good for the trucking industry as well as communities all over the country. Most importantly, women are helping end the trucker shortage. Trucking isn’t an easy job, and since it requires long hours and oftentimes dangerous weather conditions, the industry has suffered a deficit in interested candidates. However, thanks to the increase in women, the trucker shortage is ending. This means that less stress is being put on current truck drivers and trucking businesses, and communities are able to get their goods delivered more effectively.
New truck driver Faye Clark discusses why she enjoys her job as a truck driver saying, “My favorite thing is knowing I can handle something that big on the road, and be able to transport the merchandise people need these days.”
Looking to the Future
As of 2018, only 6% of the US’s truck drivers are women. However, there are many initiatives working to raise that number by showing women and girls that truck driving could be a good choice for their futures. The CDS Tractor Trailer Training program recently worked with Virginia Western to create a billboard ad on the back of a tractor trailer to help recruit women to their training program in Roanoke, Virginia. The ad has proven to be a success, and many women have said the billboard allowed them to see themselves behind the wheel of the tractor trailer for the first time. “We’ve seen a huge uptick in the number of women who have come into our program,” said Crystal Kennedy, of CDS Tractor Trailer Training. “We’re up to about 10 percent of our student population being women.”
As a way to introduce trucking as a career option to young girls, the Women in Trucking Associating worked with the Girl Scouts of America to create a Girl Scout Transportation Patch.
These initiatives, along with other recruitment tactics, will not only ensure that more and more women choose truck driving as a career, but they will also allow women to be educated about their career options at every age.
Overall, the rise of women in trucking is doing a lot of good for the industry. Not only is it filling job positions and helping end a trucking shortage across the country, but it is putting a stop to workforce stereotypes. Encouraging diversity in any industry allows new voices to be heard, which will lead to new ideas and progress in all areas of business. On the subject, Tamara Barker says, “While I have seen more women in leadership roles over the years and it’s important to be at the table, it is far more important to have a voice that is heard. Once the voices and opinions of all are equally considered, regardless of gender, we will see changes in the industry.”
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If you’ve been on the road for long, you may remember that the driving age for interstate commercial transportation is 21 years old. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, a potential driver can obtain their commercial driver’s license (CDL) at 18 today, but only to drive within a given state’s lines. To haul across the country or handle hazardous materials, 21 is the minimum age. But lawmakers are now considering a bill proposed that would allow 18-year-olds to legally drive 18 wheelers nationally. Truck driving is a lucrative opportunity for young people and the industry is vying for new drivers. While lawmakers argue that this bill would ease the driver shortage, truckers around the country raise concerns over safety on the road.
Why Do We Need to Change Driving Age Laws?
Senator Duncan D. Hunter, a Republican from California, proposed the bill in March of 2018. Younger drivers have always been on the lower end of age demographics in the trucking industry. According to this chart supplied by the American Transportation Research Institute, drivers aged 20 to 24 made up less than 10% of the force in 1994, 2003 and 2013. In 2013 specifically, that percentage fell below 5%.
It’s no secret that the commercial transportation industry is undergoing a driver shortage. For example, the American Trucking Association reported in October of 2017 that the national trucking shortage reached 50,000 drivers—and this number could rise to 174,000 by 2026. Companies have increased pay and benefits in an attempt to incentivize potential drivers. In fact, some economists argue that wages in the trucking industry are still far below the necessary threshold to attract workers. If companies continue to raise wages in order to attract or keep drivers, this is likely to greatly ease the shortage.
But what happens when these measures aren’t enough? Senator Hunter argues that lowering the interstate driving age would positively impact young people with high school degrees who want stable, well paying careers. After all, the average income for a truck driver is still around $60,000 per year. Because many truckers are now retiring, it’s crucial that enough new drivers are hired within the next 10 years.
The Bill and Safety Concerns
On top of this, young people age 18 to 20 have the highest unemployment rate of any age group. This makes sense: industry opportunities aside from the military or higher education are scarce. Truck driving is a stable career with opportunity for upward mobility and pay raises. Compared to the limited similar opportunities in the retail, food service or construction industries, commercial transportation and commercial truck driving is worth diving into young.
The trucking community largely argues that bestowing drivers so young with this much responsibility is risky. This concerned is founded: In 2016, the Center for Disease Control actually reports that teenagers aged 15-19 years old were responsible for 8.4% of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries relative to their 6.5% of the U.S. population. Similarly, commercial vehicle drivers between 19 and 20 years old are six times more likely to be involved in fatal accidents. Younger drivers simply have less driving experience overall, not just with semi truck driving. Not only is preventing dangerous accidents a priority for truck drivers, semi truck accidents could lead to costly damages to loaded goods. Many believe that the industry would benefit more from direct improvement strategies than throwing cheap labor at the problem.
The Upside of Younger Drivers Nationwide
On the other hand, proponents of the bill argue that the drivers under 21 would be required to jump through preventative safety hoops. This includes an apprenticeship program requiring 400 total hours on-duty with 240 of those hours under supervision of an experienced driver. It gets better: all training trucks will have cameras and a maximum set speed of 65mph. Senator Hunter also points out that there are already 18 and 19 year old drivers on the road anyway and that this change wouldn’t have a significant impact on road safety. But opportunities for work and advancement are more scarce within a single state’s lines as a driver, especially if your state is particularly small.
Providing extra incentive to young people considering a commercial driving career could promote relief from the driver shortage. Although there are safety concerns to consider, many believe that this law change would do more good than harm. A pilot program by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is set to launch at the end of this year, allowing 18 to 20 year-olds with a military commercial driving license to drive interstate in the U.S. As for other young drivers, the legislation is still out.
To learn more about your options to finance a commercial vehicle as a first time buyer, visit https://www.missionfinancialservices.net or read about how to obtain your commercial driver’s license.
You don’t often hear about high profile trucking cases gracing the supreme court. But that changed this fall with New Prime v. Oliveira, which could influence hundreds of thousands of American truck drivers and even consumers. Why is this case important, and what do truck drivers all over the country need to know about this case? Learn more about the scope and impact of New Prime v. Oliveira.
Dominic Oliveira filed suit three years ago against New Prime trucking company, a commercial transportation company that specializes in flatbed, refrigerated, tanker and intermodal divisions. Dominic Oliveira claimed that the company neglected to pay him even minimum wage and charged him for working. An incomplete panel of Supreme Court justices heard the case on Wednesday, October 3rd and considered the arguments.
Oliveira claimed that New Prime violated the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and that the company did not treat him as an owner-operator but rather as an employee. Oliveira claimed in the suit that New Prime controlled his work schedule and dictated him as an employee. According to the United States Department of Labor, the consequences of independent contractor misclassification include missing benefits like overtime, medical leave, unemployment insurance and a safe workplace.
If you’re new or unfamiliar with the trucking industry, there are two types of drivers on the road. Company drivers are usually employed by a company and paid cents on the mile. This might vary depending on the type of route you drive, as well as the division. Independent contractors, also known as owner-operators, usually make a percentage of their bill for each freight load. Independent contracting has several coveted advantages. As an independent contractor, drivers get to choose and finance their own semi truck or commercial vehicle. Owner operators are also posited for tax advantages and get to be their own boss. This means choosing your own hours, choosing your own holidays, and potentially building your own business.
Driving as an independent contractor has higher earning potential that employment as a company driver, but that doesn’t always ensure it will deliver that potential. The arrangement between owner operator and businesses should be mutually beneficial because companies can shell out less for labor while drivers take a percentage for their work. Independent contractors can cost companies up to 20% less than other employees according to CNBC. Trouble arises when it’s unclear if a driver is properly categorized as an independent contractor. Were Dominic Oliveira an employee of the company rather than an independent contractor, he would be owed compensation for any miles or hours spent driving.
This widely publicized case holds companies accountable for dodging lawsuits. According to the National Employment Law Project, the risk in these cases is that companies will lean on the Federal Arbitration Act to sidestep responsibility for underpaying workers. While it’s true that some trucking companies offer higher wages, bonuses and benefits to incentivize workers to sign up amongst a driver shortage, this isn’t universal. This case could be a breakthrough for American commercial vehicle drivers by forcing higher wages. This debate isn’t new, either: Fedex, Uber, and Amazon have all been in the hot seat for independent contractor related misclassification.
Higher Wages Mean Higher Prices for Consumers
Thanks to external concerns like capacity shortage and a looming trade war, some experts are concerned about the effect of this supreme court decision on consumer prices. According to CNBC, consumers could wind up seeing an increase in prices between 10 and 20 percent. This could have lasting effects on the commercial transportation industry and semi truck drivers everywhere.
Case Outcome
Oliveira’s case rested on the claim that his job, schedule and responsibilities were dictated by New Prime just as any other company employee. This would defeat the purpose and entire benefit associated with working as an owner-operator. Some state reforms have taken on this debacle, and the federal department of labor is intended to prevent unfair treatment of workers. Incorrect worker classification even impacts the government’s revenue due to taxes, workers compensation funds and unemployment insurance. Ultimately, the district called for further investigation to determine if Oliveira should rightfully be classified an employee or an independent contractor.
Positives On the Horizon For Truckers
Ultimately, pursuing your CDL and managing your own LLC as an owner operator is an empowering and lucrative opportunity. Cases like New Prime vs. Oliveira encourage companies to value the needs and rights of their employees. This case could be a turning point for semi truck owner operators everywhere by driving wages. New Prime vs. Oliveira has the potential to strengthen the integrity of the bond between commercial vehicle drivers and trucking companies. To learn more your options for financing your commercial vehicle directly or through a dealership, visit https://www.missionfinancialservices.net today.
This year, hurricane season rocked the coast as we’ve grown to expect. This September, Hurricane Florence swept the Carolinas at a category 4, leaving destruction in its wake. When natural disasters arise, our focus shifts to families in need. When survivors need supplies, semi trucks are pulled from regular circulation to deliver aid to those in need. Many truck drivers and members of the commercial vehicle workforce may be wondering what this means—and how hurricane season influences the freight industry.
FEMA and Freight Load Demand
Mandatory evacuation is closely linked to the commercial transportation industry during a hurricane. In order to support the traffic flow associated with mandatory evacuation, some major highways usually need to be reversed. Simultaneously, September begins a busy season for the commercial transportation industry in preparation for higher consumer spending during the holidays. During emergencies, FEMA pulls trucking capacity from all over the country for help delivering supplies. Tight seasonal capacity compounded by the demand for capacity in an emergency has the power to affect the flow of goods nationwide. FEMA can even pay truckers competitive rates to incentivize help to affected areas quickly.
Considering that truck drivers today are already in great demand, it’s easy to see that a large storm carries implications for the efficacy of the freight industry. According to Dial-A-Truck, or DAT, the freight market is affected in three key stages during a natural disaster: before, during and after.
Before the storm hits, FEMA might increase demand for loads to be transported out of the storm’s path of destruction. During the storm volume will drastically decrease due to unsafe road conditions and closed roads. After the hurricane, FEMA will call for emergency freight, often posted on the DAT Load Boards.
The aftermath of a hurricane prevents trucks from safely returning to the road. Practically speaking, flooded roads, downed trees, and damaged infrastructure slow drivers ability to meet the demands waiting for them. For example, in 2017 following Hurricane Harvey, the number of freight loads nationally dropped 10%. Because Houston is a major city and transportation/freight hub, the potential effects on the industry were amplified. Freight loads out of Houston immediately following the storm fell 72%.
What This Means Today
Hurricane Florence affected the Carolinas including Charleston this September with winds strong enough to cause widespread power outages and uprooted trees. Large sections of I-95 and US Route 70 were flooded for days following the storm, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation instructed all drivers to avoid driving in the state completely. Recommended detours included routes through Tennessee and Virginia. While parts of major highways were cleared for use just ten days later, hundreds of other roads in North Carolina stayed down.
After a hurricane, floods can also damage warehouses and fulfillment centers, preventing drivers from returning to work. Days can translate into weeks when goods start to back up and overflow other centers. For some time after the storm, many shipments in and out of the area could be allocated to rebuilding damage. So how does the backup influence market prices?
Price Increases
Price increases are normal after a natural disaster. This has to do with the relationship between supply and demand. After an initial dip, demand increases following hurricane season, but supply can still be stifled. For example, according to the DAT Trendlines, load to truck ratios increased for van, reefer and flatbed equipment types in the week following Hurricane Florence. National average rates slipped in the week following the hurricane as well. Spot market loads have increased 2.9% and spot market capacity has increased 1.4%. Following Hurricane Katrina, for example, spot rates rose 7 percentage points for a solid five month stretch.
After a hurricane, it’s also common for gas and food prices to increase. Following hurricane Florence in September, fuel prices are up .3%. This is mild compared to the influence of Hurricane Harvey, which made landfall in Texas last year. Because Texas is a major U.S. petroleum production site, the impact was significant. 14 refineries shut down as a result of hurricane damage. Gas prices nationally after Hurricane Harvey rose a whopping 15% according to CNN. Luckily, Hurricane Florence has made less impact on gas prices. This translates to good news for the trucking industry.
Positive Outlook
Ultimately, the commercial transportation industry is resilient. Following a hurricane or natural disaster, supplying relief and supplies to those in need takes priority.Our hearts go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Florence this September. To keep you on the road, remember that a semi truck repair loan could help you cover the cost of damages caused to your truck in the event of an emergency. To learn more about your options, visit https://www.missionfinancialservices.net today.
