Truck industry cautious of putting younger drivers behind the wheel

As the truck industry grapples with driver shortage, efforts are being made to attract new, younger drivers into the profession. However, there are concerns that the next generation may initially present more of a danger on the road.

According to a 2019 report by the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the average age of a for-hire truck driver in the US is 46, with other trucking sectors showing an even higher average age. This is a key reason behind the driver shortage, it says.

And so the truck sector faces a dilemma. New drivers must be attracted to fill open roles, but willing young drivers may potentially cause a decline in fleet safety. If the motivation to avoid fatalities and serious injuries was not enough, crashes can also lead to damaged reputation, increased vehicle downtime and expensive lawsuits.

Younger drivers are…