Tech Can't Hide the Truth: Drivers Are the Key to Trucking's Future

The trucking industry is facing a crisis, one that's not just about technology or logistics, but about the very people driving the trucks. Trimble's recent conference brought together experts who acknowledged that the key to stability and growth lies with the drivers. Tim Crawford, of Tenstreet, presented staggering statistics: 3 million individuals apply to the company every year, and the average person is on the job market every four months. But it's not just the numbers that are alarming – it's the turnover rate that's unsustainable. Jason DeShaw, senior product director of driver experience and partners at Trimble, emphasized the importance of user experience and getting out into the field to understand the business problem. "Make it as easy as possible," he said. "Don't ask for things that we already know. " He also stressed the need to recruit "leader drivers" who can influence change within the company. Mark Manera, CEO and founder of Offshift, echoed DeShaw's sentiments, citing the importance of internal leaders and recruiting and educating driver managers or dispatchers to promote change. Manera also shared his personal experience, having worked with truck drivers and seen firsthand the impact of chronic health problems on their lives. "Truck drivers statistically are likely to live 16 years less than the average American," he said. "That's going to make it difficult for a 21-year-old to look at trucking and say, 'I want to be in this industry. '"