The U.S. trucking industry is at a crossroads in 2025, grappling with a persistent and growing shortage of qualified drivers. As demand for freight transportation remains high, the gap between the number of available drivers and the industry’s needs is causing ripple effects across the entire supply chain. If you’re a carrier, shipper, driver, or simply interested in how goods move across America, understanding the driver shortage is critical.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down what’s really behind the driver shortage in trucking, how it’s impacting carriers, shippers, and consumers, and what solutions are emerging to address this critical issue. Plus, you’ll get actionable tips and TruckClub™ insights for navigating the road ahead.
What Is the Driver Shortage in Trucking?
The “driver shortage” refers to the ongoing gap between the number of qualified truck drivers available and the number needed to meet freight demand. This isn’t a new problem, but it’s reached new levels of urgency in 2025.
Key Stats for 2025
- Estimated shortfall: Over 80,000 drivers (American Trucking Associations, 2025)
- Projected need: Over 1.2 million new drivers over the next decade to keep up with freight demand and replace retirees
- Industry growth: Freight volumes continue to climb, especially for e-commerce and last-mile delivery
The shortage affects all sectors—long-haul, regional, and local delivery—but is most acute in over-the-road (OTR) and long-haul trucking, where lifestyle demands and time away from home are most pronounced.
What’s Causing the Truck Driver Shortage?
The driver shortage is a complex, multi-factor issue. Here are the leading causes in 2025:
1. Aging Workforce and Retirements
- The average age of a professional truck driver in the U.S. is now over 48.
- Many drivers are retiring faster than new entrants are joining the industry.
- The “silver tsunami” of retirements is accelerating the shortage.
2. Lack of New Entrants
- Younger workers are less attracted to trucking due to lifestyle, pay, and perception issues.
- Women and minorities are underrepresented (women make up less than 10% of drivers).
- High barriers to entry: CDL requirements, training costs, and time away from home.
3. Lifestyle Challenges
- Trucking is demanding: long hours, extended periods away from family, health risks (sedentary lifestyle, limited food choices).
- Burnout and turnover rates are high, especially among new drivers.
4. Pay and Benefits
- While pay has increased in recent years, it often lags behind other trades and industries with similar skill requirements.
- Many drivers are paid per mile, leading to unpredictable income, especially with delays and deadhead miles.
5. Regulatory Hurdles
- Stricter drug testing, ELD (Electronic Logging Device) mandates, and hours-of-service rules can discourage new entrants.
- CDL age restrictions (minimum age 21 for interstate driving) limit the pool of younger drivers.
6. Pandemic and Supply Chain Disruptions
- COVID-19 accelerated retirements and career changes.
- Ongoing supply chain issues have increased pressure on existing drivers and carriers.
How the Driver Shortage Impacts the Trucking Industry
1. Higher Freight Rates and Shipping Costs
- Carriers must pay more to attract and retain drivers, pushing up freight rates.
- Shippers and consumers ultimately bear the cost through higher prices for goods.
2. Service Reliability and Delivery Times
- Fewer available drivers mean more late deliveries, missed appointments, and inconsistent service.
- Retailers and manufacturers face challenges maintaining inventory and meeting customer expectations.
3. Increased Pressure on Existing Drivers
- Drivers are asked to do more, leading to fatigue, burnout, and higher turnover.
- Safety risks can increase if carriers push the limits of hours-of-service regulations.
4. Impact on Small vs. Large Carriers
- Large carriers may have more resources to recruit, train, and retain drivers.
- Small and midsize carriers struggle to compete on pay, benefits, and recruiting reach.
5. Effects on Shippers, Retailers, and Consumers
- Shippers face higher costs, tighter capacity, and the need for more flexible shipping arrangements.
- Retailers may see empty shelves or delayed restocking.
- Consumers experience higher prices and longer wait times for goods.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Driver Shortage
How bad is the truck driver shortage in 2025?
The shortage is severe, with an estimated 80,000+ driver gap and projections that it could exceed 100,000 within a few years if trends continue. This affects all parts of the supply chain.
Which sectors are most affected?
Long-haul and OTR trucking are most impacted, but regional and last-mile delivery are also feeling the pinch as freight demand stays high.
Are autonomous trucks a solution?
Autonomous trucks are being tested, but widespread adoption is years away. In the near term, technology can help with safety and efficiency, but human drivers remain essential.
What are carriers doing to attract new drivers?
Carriers are raising pay, offering signing bonuses, improving benefits, and investing in better equipment and driver support. Many are also targeting women, minorities, and younger workers with tailored recruitment campaigns.
Solutions and Strategies for the Driver Shortage
There’s no single fix, but a combination of strategies is making a difference:
1. Recruitment and Training Programs
- Carriers are partnering with schools and community colleges to develop CDL training programs.
- Apprenticeship programs and mentorships help new drivers acclimate and succeed.
- Targeted outreach to women, minorities, and veterans expands the talent pool.
2. Improving Pay, Benefits, and Working Conditions
- Many carriers have increased base pay and offer performance bonuses.
- Health benefits, retirement plans, and paid time off are becoming more common.
- Investments in newer, more comfortable trucks and driver amenities.
3. Flexible Schedules and Regional Routes
- Regional and dedicated routes allow drivers to get home more often.
- Part-time and flexible schedule options appeal to a broader workforce.
4. Technology and Support
- Route optimization and telematics reduce driver stress and improve efficiency.
- Mobile apps (like the upcoming TruckBuddy™ from TruckClub™) streamline communication, maintenance, and claims.
- Safety technologies (collision avoidance, lane assist) make the job safer and more appealing.
5. Policy and Advocacy
- Industry groups are lobbying to lower the interstate CDL age to 18.
- Grants and incentives for CDL training help offset costs for new drivers.
- Efforts to streamline licensing and regulatory requirements.
6. The Role of Automation
- Autonomous trucks may eventually help, especially for long-haul routes.
- For now, automation supports drivers rather than replaces them—helping with safety, navigation, and compliance.
What Drivers, Carriers, and Shippers Can Do Now
For Carriers
- Prioritize driver retention through culture, communication, and recognition.
- Offer competitive pay, benefits, and home time.
- Invest in equipment and technology that makes drivers’ lives easier.
- Use feedback to continuously improve the driver experience.
For Drivers
- Seek out carriers with strong reputations for driver support.
- Take advantage of training, health, and financial wellness resources.
- Use technology to stay organized, safe, and efficient.
- Consider additional certifications (hazmat, tanker) to boost earning potential.
For Shippers
- Build strong relationships with carriers and be flexible with scheduling.
- Plan ahead to secure capacity and avoid last-minute rate spikes.
- Communicate clearly and pay carriers promptly to become a “shipper of choice.”
TruckClub™ Perspective: Supporting Drivers in a Challenging Market
At TruckClub™, we see the driver shortage not just as a challenge but as a call to action for the entire industry. Owner-operators and small fleets are the backbone of America’s supply chain. That’s why we’re committed to providing tools and resources that empower drivers to thrive, even in a tight labor market.
How TruckClub™ Helps:
- TruckProtect™ extended warranties: Take the worry out of unexpected repairs, so drivers can focus on earning, not on breakdowns.
- TruckBuddy™ app (coming soon): Streamlines maintenance, claims, and support—saving drivers time and hassle.
- Flexible, transparent coverage: No long-term contracts, no hidden fine print, and fast claims processing.
- Resource hub: Educational content, industry insights, and practical tips for drivers and fleets.
We believe supporting drivers, financially, operationally, and personally, is key to solving the shortage and building a stronger, more resilient trucking industry.
Conclusion
The driver shortage in trucking is a complex, persistent problem with wide-ranging impacts on the entire economy. While there’s no magic bullet, a combination of better pay, improved working conditions, smart technology, and industry collaboration is starting to make a difference.
For carriers and shippers, investing in drivers is more important than ever. For drivers, opportunities abound for those willing to adapt, upskill, and leverage new tools and support systems.
