There’s more and more talk about the shortage of truck drivers these days, especially in the general media; an indication (at least from where I sit) of just how serious this issue is becoming. This isn’t just a U.S. problem, either, as this shortage is affecting Canada as well.

Now, a lot of folks within – and without – the industry rightfully note that the low pay and long hours of the typical irregular route truckload driver are major turn-offs (putting it VERY mildly) in terms of recruiting a new generation of folks willing to pilot big rigs for a living.

Just check out this story in theNiagara Gazette newspaper; while the paper notes that truck driver jobs are plentiful, the average starting pay is just a shade over $39,000, according to Labor Department data – certainly not the kind of income that can stand alone to support a family of four these days.

FULL STORY via Fleet Owner, Truck at Work Blog