Tight Supply Of Truckers Leaves A Few Gas Stations Dry

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A driver exits the yard after he filled up his gas tanker truck at Marathon Oil on May 20, 2021, in Salt Lake City, Utah.





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Is There Really A Truck Driver Shortage?

Still little changed over the years: Turnover was high, recruiting was hard, and pay failed to keep up with inflation.

Now, at least in the fuel hauling sector, the situation has shifted. Some companies are actually putting real money on the line to solve the problem.

But for some truckers, even a boost in pay just isn’t worth it.

«I wouldn’t even consider it, says Brad Zeilinger, who has been trucking for more than 30 years. He’s hauled fuel before, but never again, he says. In addition to the danger, the licensing is a hassle and the hours can be rough.

«They couldn’t afford me, let’s put it that way, he says.

Frozen food is more his style now, and he’s got an eye on retiring in a few years. And the question now — not just for fuel hauling, but for the entire trucking industry — is whether higher pay will be enough to attract a new generation of drivers.

«The young people don’t want to do this job anymore, he says. «My generation is on the way out the door.