Trucks move about 72 percent of the country’s freight by weight and are responsible for more than $791 billion gross freight revenues nationwide.[1] Despite the high demand for trucks to move goods across the country, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) reports a serious shortage of qualified drivers. ATA estimates that the shortage will grow to more than 160,000 drivers by 2028.[2]
In spite of paying an average salary of $45,570 and providing benefits and a 401(k) many businesses struggle to find drivers to move their goods. In the growing e-commerce space, trucks are still the top way businesses move their products. As demand increases for products –and as supply chain issues continue – the demand for truck drivers only grows.
The shortage of drivers is good news for potential applicants eager to find a stable and secure career. In Wisconsin, companies like ours – Service One Transportation – are hiring right now for CDL (Commercial Driver License) truck drivers who live in or around Plymouth, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Appleton, Eau Claire, Janesville, Kenosha, La Crosse, and Madison.
If you’re new to truck driving, you must become a certified CDL truck driver before getting behind the wheel. Training takes about a month and most truck driving businesses prefer a driver with about two years’ experience, however, many training programs offer a direct pipeline to jobs after certification.
At Service One, we have a driver finishing program that helps you get ready for the road, taking what you learned in the classroom and giving you real world experience. You’re paired with experienced drivers and managers who serve as mentors to help you get your career started. Service One also provides tuition reimbursement to those who qualify.
There are three certification levels for truck drivers – Class A, Class B, and Class C. Each level certifies you to drive and tow vehicles of particular weight classes. During your training, you’ll learn to operate these large trucks safely and efficiently.
CDL truck driving not only offers competitive salary and benefits, but many companies offer flexible schedules. At Service One, our drivers average about 2,600-3,000 miles per week, and we prioritize ensuring our drivers get quality time at home with their families when they aren’t on the road. We even offer family passenger and pet programs so that your family is supported while you’re working.
There are always trade-offs in employment – for truck drivers that can include long hours on the road – but the stability that comes with working in this industry can make it a great career option. Given the high demand, truck drivers can pick and choose where and who they work for, too, making the support and benefits that come with a job especially important.
Service One is family-owned and operated and we have a unique understanding of the challenges of being a professional truck-driver. That’s why we put family first, providing great benefits for our drivers, their family, and their pets. We know that time on the road can take a toll on families, and we want to make sure you get plenty of time back home with them. We don’t see our drivers as a number, but part of our team that takes pride in the work we do. If you’re interested and live in the Wisconsin area, Service One is hiring right now. Fill out our truck driving job request form or give us a call. We’d love to welcome you to our team!
[1] https://www.trucking.org/economics-and-industry-data
[2] Emsi/Coyote Logistics. Drivers Wanted: Using Data to Understand the Commercial Truck Driver Shortage; March 2021.