The demand for truck drivers is growing across the country. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), in 2023 there was an estimated 60,000 driver shortage. The ATA estimates this number to rise to 82,000 by the end of 2024 and potentially 160,000 by 2030. In 2022, new CDL licensing regulations were put in place to enhance safety by establishing new minimum training requirements.
These regulations have had an effect in rural America as farmers such as Kevin Killey of Roseville look for help this upcoming harvest season.
“If somebody was just getting a CDL for the first time, it’s more classes, there are more costs involved. So, a lot of these quote, unquote, retired drivers, it’s not, in some cases, worth it for them to continue with their CDL, and they just give it up,” says Killey. “Then the new kids that are trying to get a CDL, the cost involved, a lot of times, they tie into their employer and have them share the cost- ‘hey, will you pay for this schooling and then I’ll work for you for X number of years to pay that off’ or whatever. But it is more difficult than it used to be, and that’s not helping the situation either.”
Some states have worked to ease some requirements necessary to obtain CDL licensing in an effort to combat driver shortages. In Illinois, Spanish-language written tests and study guides have been introduced to increase accessibility.
