Can High School Students Solve One of Trucking’s Biggest Problems?

The need for professional truck drivers continues to grow, with the industry facing a significant shortage of workers. In 2021, the shortage reached 80,000, and the demand is expected to double by 2030, according to Statista. The American Trucking Association (ATA) estimates that over the next decade, 1 million drivers will need to be recruited to replace those retiring or leaving and to accommodate industry growth.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the trend by causing a decrease in newly trained drivers and prompting experienced drivers to leave the industry altogether. Despite the rising annual salaries—now roughly five times the historical average—trucking companies still struggle to recruit the next generation of truckers.

Is 18 too young to drive a truck?

While high schoolers traditionally attend college in hopes of securing a stable, well-paying job, one high school in eastern Washington is bucking the trend. Connell High School (CHS) has petitioned federal regulators to allow 17-year-olds enrolled in its CDL program to obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP). This initiative aims to enable students to secure truck driver jobs immediately upon graduating.

Officials from CHS believe that granting this exemption will allow students to obtain a CDL at 18, providing them with stable, well-paying employment opportunities right after high school. The school’s CDL preparatory program includes 180 hours of classroom, field, and drive time instruction, ensuring a high level of safety and preparedness.

CHS serves a primarily agricultural community across four small rural towns, with a decreasing workforce but increasing agriculture and transportation demands. The program targets economically disadvantaged students, with 70% of the school's population being minorities. By focusing on these students, the program aims to positively impact local communities and solve the commercial driver shortage issue.

Recruiting troubles

The trucking industry is vital to the country's supply chain, and a shortage of professional truck drivers could lead to significant supply chain disruptions and economic slowdowns. As college becomes less attainable, there is ample opportunity for Gen Z to pursue careers in professional driving. Unfortunately, the government's efforts to recruit more drivers haven't been successful.

So far, however, Gen Z doesn't seem that interested in a career as a driver. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) under-21 truck driver apprenticeship program has seen disappointing participation, with only 113 motor carriers applying since its inception, far below expectations. Safety concerns and higher insurance premiums have deterred many fleet managers from participating.

The dismal turnout has caused ripples within FMCSA. It is seeking emergency approval from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to amend the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Program (SDAP) to keep the agency compliant with the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 (otherwise known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act), passed this year.