May 22 2023 in Trucking

The Truck Driver Shortage: Explained!

Ever thought about what it means to have the highway as your office and the horizon as your target? As a potential truck driver, you’re stepping into a world that’s in high demand. Yes, we’re talking about the truck driver shortage in America.

In this blog, we’ll steer you through this intriguing landscape, discussing the present scenario, the ripples of this shortage, and the creative solutions coming to the fore. We aim to equip you with a clear roadmap of the challenges and rewards that lie ahead in this indispensable industry. With the call for skilled drivers like you echoing louder than ever, the open road awaits. So, gear up, and let’s embark on this journey together.

The Current State of the Transportation Industry

Here’s the deal. With over 3.5 million truck drivers, the trucking industry powers our US economy. But we’re staring down a driver shortage projected to hit 100,000 by the end of 2023 and 160,000 by 2031, according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA). Why the gap, you ask? Well, it’s a mix of an aging workforce and the demanding nature of the job.

Why the Truck Driver Shortage?

While there are millions of men and women holding CLD-A driver’s licenses, the truck driver shortage is increasing. Instead of a lack of truck drivers, there is a need for better truck driving jobs.

The average turnover rate of trucking companies is 95%, meaning most logistics carriers replace their entire workforce within a year. The core of these retention challenges is caused by:

Aging workforce: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average age of commercial truck drivers in the US is 55, with a large percentage retiring within the next 10 to 20 years.
Lifestyle disadvantages of OTR trucking: Trucking companies face problems attracting and retaining millennial drivers due to the physical and emotional deprivation of being on the road for weeks or even months.

Inability to recruit female truck drivers: Despite 47% of women making up the national workforce, only 6-8% of women are commercial truck drivers.
Truck driver wage: In 2023, the average annual salary of tractor-trailer drivers is $58,498, with an average hourly rate of $28.12 per hour. Truck driver pay depends on hours spent on the road or miles driven. When a large percentage of miles are driven empty, it comes out of the driver’s paycheck.

To make matters worse, the truck driver shortage is increasing the demand and workload of existing drivers to make up for the slack, causing burnout, stress, and unhealthy work-life balance.

The Impact of the Truck Driver Shortage

Truck drivers transport 72% of American freight. This isn’t just a problem for logistics companies—it’s a national concern.

When there aren’t enough drivers, deliveries slow down. That means businesses, and ultimately consumers, face increased costs. Everything from the food on our tables to the clothes on our backs, truck drivers like you help deliver it all.

Disruptions in the supply chain and nation-wide shortages lead of mass hoarding,

Response and Driver Shortage Solutions

The trucking industry isn’t idling around. Companies are revamping their hiring practices and stepping up retention strategies. Competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and flexible schedules are becoming the norm, not the exception. Additionally, commercial trucking companies are actively investing in technologies and resources to reduce empty miles, which remains a priority in 2023.

According to the ATA, 35% of miles are empty, meaning an underutilization of resources. Efficient routing can help reduce empty miles and put more money in truck drivers’ pockets making the job more lucrative. In short, companies like Warrior Logistics are making sure truck driving is not just a job but a rewarding career.

The Future of Trucking and Opportunities

Now, the future of trucking might seem uncertain with all this talk about autonomous vehicles. But let’s set the record straight: technology will never replace the need for skilled drivers like you. In fact, it’s an exciting time to be part of the trucking industry. You have the chance to be at the forefront of this shift toward reinvigorating the transportation industry and keeping America running. The role of the truck driver remains as vital as ever in our economy.

If you’ve ever thought about a career on the open road, there’s never been a better time. The opportunities are plentiful, the rewards are significant, and your chance to make a real difference is here and now.

Move Your Career Forward with Warrior Logistics

How about joining the ranks of the men and women who keep America moving? At Warrior Logistics, we’re committed to offering more than just a job – a rewarding professional trucking career. From competitive pay, flexible scheduling, a state-of-the-art fleet, driver rewards, and comprehensive benefits packages, we’ve got you covered. Ready to become a Truck Warrior? Apply today, and let’s drive the future of this industry together!

May 05 2023 in Trucking

Sustainable Trucking Trends 2023: What You Need to Know

As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, the transportation industry is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. In particular, the trucking industry, which is responsible for moving goods across the country, has been identified as the top contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the US.

However, the good news is that sustainable trucking is no longer just a pipe dream. Thanks to technological advancement, several sustainable trucking trends that are gaining momentum in 2023. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these trends and what they mean for the trucking industry.

Introduction to Sustainable Trucking

Sustainable trucking refers to the use of environmentally friendly practices and technologies to reduce carbon footprint, waste, and fossil fuel consumption.

Since the trucking industry is the single largest contributor to CO2 emissions in the US, with diesel engines contributing to air pollution and carbon emissions, the sector is experiencing increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Sustainable Trucking Market Trends: Key Statistics

The transportation sector contributes to about a third of US greenhouse gas emissions.
The trucking industry consumes around 54.3 billion gallons of diesel fuel annually.
In 2021, CO2 emissions from US transportation totaled 1.7 billion metric tons.
Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the US.

Sustainable Trucking Industry Drivers

The top three reasons behind sustainable trucking include:

Rising fuel prices
Government regulations
Increased pressure to reduce carbon emissions from both public and private sectors

In March 2022, Convoy surveyed 700 small- and mid-sized trucking companies across the US to get a snapshot of sustainability in trucking. The survey participants included dispatchers, drivers, and owner-operators. Research showed that respondents reported feeling pressure to reduce carbon emissions rose from 35% to 38% between 2021 and 2022.

With the addition of rising fuel prices and government regulations, the pressure and need to reduce waste and achieve carbon neutrality is at an all-time high and will only increase in the coming years.

5 Sustainable Trucking Trends of 2023

Reduce Empty Miles

Inefficient truck routing contributes to wasted fuel consumption. Convoy research shows that up to 35% of truck miles may be empty, with regional driving distances (100-400 miles) representing the largest percentage of loads that are driven empty.

Reducing 1% of empty miles from one long-haul truck can save over 100 gallons of fuel. Trucking companies that optimize freight logistics can save fuel, time and enhance productivity, generating cost savings and additional revenue.

Alternative Fuels

One main way trucking companies address sustainability is by adopting alternative fuel vehicles to reduce emissions. 94% of the fuel used for transportation is petroleum-based. Electric, hybrid, and natural gas-powered trucks are rising in popularity as carriers look to transform into green trucking companies.

As long as the trucking and transportation industries are reliant on fossil fuels, some emissions cannot be avoided. However, introducing electric vehicles and alternative fuels can decrease emissions and help companies make their operations more sustainable.

This can include everything from biofuels to hydrogen fuel cells. While these fuels are still in the early stages of development, they have the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of the trucking industry significantly.

Electric Trucks

One of the most significant sustainable trucking trends in 2023 is the rise of electric trucks. Electric trucks are powered by batteries, meaning they don’t produce any emissions during operation. This makes them attractive for companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint if they have enough capital to invest in a new fleet.

Several major manufacturers, including Tesla and Daimler, are currently developing electric trucks, and it’s expected that the market for these vehicles will continue to grow in the coming years.

Efficient Routing

In addition to adopting alternative fuels and vehicle technologies, some trucking companies have begun using route optimization software to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Companies can reduce idle time and empty miles by optimizing schedules, traveling during off-peak times, and avoiding routes with heavy traffic congestion.

Improved Aerodynamics

Finally, improved aerodynamics is another sustainable trucking trend that’s gaining momentum in 2023. Aerodynamics contribute up to 50% of fuel economy per mile at highway speeds.

By reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency, trucking companies can save on diesel costs, which translates to lower overall emissions. This can include everything from using streamlined trailers to implementing advanced technologies like platooning.

Sustainable Trucking Challenges

While major steps have been taken to reduce carbon emissions from trucking companies. Some significant barriers include:

High initial investment in new trucking technologies prevents greater adoption for companies with fewer resources
Ongoing truck driver shortage compounds issues of efficiency and route optimization
Market availability of electric vehicles will likely outpace the building of charging infrastructure

Trucking companies will need to balance the ecological concerns of truck driving with the need to remain competitive and profitable. On the other hand, as the push for sustainability generates more momentum across all industries, green trucking companies can gain greater market share and be more appealing to potential customers.

Key Takeaways

In conclusion, sustainable trucking is no longer a distant dream. Thanks to technological advances, plans to reduce carbon emissions, and diesel fuel reliance, the sector’s carbon emission is set to reduce dramatically in the coming years.

From electric trucks to improved aerodynamics, these trends have the potential to massively reduce the carbon footprint of the trucking industry. As we look toward the future, it’s clear that sustainability will be a key factor in the success of the trucking industry.

How Will Sustainable Trucking Affect Professional Truck Drivers?

As the trucking landscape evolves, it’s becoming increasingly important to cultivate a workforce of experienced, professional truck drivers to take the helm.

Professional truckers are the backbone of our economy, and trucking companies must prioritize their needs as they work to make their operations more sustainable. At Warrior Logistics, people are our first priority. Our strategic and ongoing expansion means we stay on the cutting edge of technologies to ensure our Truck Warriors have everything they need to be successful on and off the road.

Move your truck driving career forward with one of the nation’s largest transportation companies – apply today!

March 22 2023 in Truck Driving, Trucking

Types of Truck Driver Salary in Texas: Hourly vs Per Mile Pay

If you’re a Texas truck driver looking to understand the industry’s different types of truck driver salary structures in the texas, this blog is for you. Compensation is a critical issue for truck drivers, both entry-level and professional. After all, truck drivers are the backbone of the American economy, and it can be a demanding job, so it’s important to be compensated fairly for your time and effort.

In this post, we’ll examine the two most common pay structures in trucking: hourly pay vs per mile pay. This way, you can better understand what to expect when choosing the logistics company to drive for and make an informed decision about which compensation method works best for you. Let’s get started!

How Much Do Truck Drivers Get Paid in Texas?

According to Truckers Report, CDL truck driver in Texas can make anywhere from $62,530 to $104,000 depending on where they’re driving and how much time they spend on the road. While the national median for commercial truck driving averages $81,626, it doesn’t mean all trucking jobs are compensated equally. It’s important to look for a trucking company that offers competitive pay, bonuses, and opportunities that allow you to grow your career and your bank account.

What Are the Different Types of Truck Driver Pay?

Here are the two most common ways truck drivers get paid when working for a commercial trucking company.

Per Hour Pay

Hourly pay is a pay structure where truck drivers are compensated for the hours they spend on the road each week. This pay is typically calculated based on a dollar amount per hour worked. Hourly pay is common for intrastate logistics companies that operate within smaller ranges.

As an hourly driver, you can expect to make frequent stops, load and unload cargo, and interact with customers regularly. One of the benefits of hourly pay is the ability to work overtime if the company allows it.

Per Mile Pay

Per mile pay is the trucking industry most common type of compensation. In this pay structure, truck drivers are paid a certain amount for each mile they drive. So, if you’re a truck driver who’s paid per mile, you can expect to drive a certain number of miles per week.

Typically, you’ll be paid a cent per mile (CPM) and have an average number of miles you’ll be expected to drive per week. You can calculate your paycheck by multiplying the CPM by the miles you’ve racked up. For example, if your CPM is $0.50, with an average of 3,000 miles per week, you can expect $1,500 that week.

It’s important to remember that while a higher pay rate per mile may seem like it would result in a bigger paycheck, the number of miles you drive ultimately determines how much you’ll earn. Therefore, it’s important to consider factors such as the amount of driving required and any potential bonuses or incentives when evaluating the overall compensation package offered by a trucking company.

Pay Per Mile vs Pay Per Hour: Which Is Better?

Truck drivers who get paid by the hour are usually restricted to regional or local routes. Since you spend less time on the road as a local truck driver, you typically earn less than those paid per mile unless you’re putting in overtime.

Truckers who get paid per mile are usually OTR drivers that drive across the country, either solo or with a team. OTR or long-haul truck drivers spend more time on the road, but the ability to rack up thousands of miles offers the chance to earn more and qualify for mileage bonuses and rewards.

In general, Texas truck drivers who get paid per mile tend to earn more than hourly drivers. The ability to make more money per year as a mile driver allows them to gain the experience and skills needed to grow their professional truck driving careers.

How to Make More Money as a Professional Trucker in Texas

While these two types of Salary structures can help you better understand the differences in truck driver base pay, there are other factors to consider when it comes to how much you can earn as a professional truck driver like

The logistics company you work for
How much experience you have
Where you’re located and where you’ll be driving
Certifications, skills, and endorsements

Drive with Warrior Logistics

Warrior Logistics is a rapidly growing, veteran-owned, independent contractor providing linehaul freight services for FedEx Ground. Our Truck Warrior enjoy pay-per-mile compensation, comprehensive benefits, flexible work schedules, and more. On top of our Salary structure, we offer cumulative cash rewards for safe driving miles, our Warrior fuel program, and 24/7 support to maximize your miles.

We believe people are our greatest assets and we provide a superior environment for them to thrive. If you’re looking to grow your professional truck driving career with one of the nation’s largest logistics companies, apply today!

March 07 2023 in Truck Driving, Trucking

Best Types of Truck Driving Jobs & How to Get Them

Truck drivers play a pivotal role in enabling economic growth, and the need for more professional truckers is set to increase along with the economy. Apart from providing a reliable income and job security, a truck driving career offers diverse opportunities in terms of truck driving job type, pay, and position.

From entry-level truck driving jobs that allow drivers to get their foot in the door and develop on-the-job experience to roles that require niche skills, the trucking industry has something for anyone looking to hone their skillset and embrace a life out on the open road. This blog post will delve into the most common types of truck driving jobs, which trucking jobs pay the most, and how to land these positions.

Types of Logistics Driver Jobs

Dry Van Haulers: operate semi-trucks with easy-to-transport goods packed in boxes or pallets. Dry van haulers don’t typically have to load or unload cargo, allowing drivers time to relax between shifts.

Freight Haulers: transport cargo not covered by dry van trucking, like hazardous goods, liquids, or oversized loads.

Flatbed Trucking: operate an open-air trailer to transport oversized goods too large or awkward to fit into semi-trucks or tractor-trailers, like machinery or other vehicles. These routes are typically longer and require specialized skills to operate safely.

Tanker Haulers: transport hazardous and nonhazardous liquids depending on the logistics company and client.

Types of Truck Driving Positions

Local, regional, and OTR truck driving positions refer to the time spent on the road as part of the job.

Local: spends the least time on the road, and most local truck drivers return home daily. They usually operate alone and can run dedicated lanes or LTL (less than truckload).

Regional: drivers transport cargo within specific regions in the US, spending an average of 1 to 2 weeks on the road at a time.

Dedicated Lane: drivers use a specific route dedicated to a single customer to guarantee ongoing supplies and services at regular intervals. Dedicated lanes can cover short or long distances but are typically local routes.

Over the Road (OTR): also called long-haul trucking, OTR truckers drive across the country and have likely visited all lower 48 states. OTR truck driving covers the longest distances and can take weeks or even months on the road, but the pay is significantly more than local and regional carriers.

Which Truck Driving Jobs Make the Most Money?

If you’re wondering which truck driving jobs pay the most, the answer lies in jobs that require specialized skills or have higher risks. In general, owner-operators, ice road truckers, tanker truckers, and team drivers are among the highest-paying ones in the industry. This is because these drivers spend the most time on the road, have the most experience and specialized training, and take on greater risks.

How Do I Get These Jobs?

To earn more money as a professional truck driver, you’ll need to go above and beyond the standard and gain the skills, experience, and endorsements to open new doors for your career. Here are a few of the requirements involved in securing one of these highly sought-after trucking jobs:

Risks & Liability: high-risk jobs like ice road trucking, tanker haulers, and more increase the level of danger associated with the job. Higher risk means more liability for you and your logistics company.

Skills: complex skills required to navigate potentially dangerous situations

Experience: the more experience you have on the road, the more you’ll typically make. Truck drivers with over five years of CDL experience are more likely to earn more and secure higher-paying jobs.

Driving record: spotless record with no accidents or reckless driving citations

Demand for Work: certain regions with a higher demand for truck drivers will pay more, specifically in more remote areas or areas needing truck drivers.

What Are the Best Truck Driving Jobs?

When it comes to truck driving jobs, there’s no one-size-fits-all option. Depending on your priorities, certain jobs might be a better fit for you. For instance, if you prioritize home time, a regional dedicated lane job might be ideal, while if you’re looking for top pay, OTR tanker trucking might be the way to go. It’s important to remember that the best job and salary will vary based on the logistics company you work for.

Be a Truck Warrior

Drive with Warrior Logistics for a reliable, rewarding, well-paying truck driving job and advance your professional career. Whether you’re interested in expanding your skills and income opportunities or seeking a stable living with flexible terms, we’ve got you covered.

As FedEx Ground’s leading linehaul contractor, you’ll be welcomed into our Warrior family with competitive pay, benefits, a modern fleet, and ample growth opportunities. Apply today to join our Dallas, Houston, Denver, or Kansas City team, whether you’re an entry-level or experienced driver!

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