Landstar Blog

Driver Shortage – Now is the time to be an Owner Operator

Even though the trucking industry carries freight throughout the United States – finding drivers to fill these positions has become harder. Not being able to fill these positions has resulted in higher salaries and driver pay that companies cannot afford, and even the possibility of self-driving trucks. The need for drivers has increased because of the age of some drivers already in the transportation industry, e-commerce and higher oil and gas prices. Companies such as Wal-Mart and Amazon are offering fast delivery options such as next day or even two-hour delivery. By upping the delivery options, this calls for more drivers. So, why has the truck driver shortage become a problem? Below are some common reasons the truck driver shortage has increased over the years.

Age and Gender

With the shortage of drivers one of the most significant issues in the trucking industry – carriers putting their focus on recruiting more younger drivers and women. The average age of a driver today is 52-year-old according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Within a few years, these long-term drivers will be retiring and increasing the shortage of drivers significantly.

Another popular issue in the trucking industry is the lack of diversity. There are 47-percent of women in today’s workforce. However, only 6-percent of those women are truck drivers. Often, individuals think being a truck driver is just for men. You must be strong to be a truck driver. However, that is not the case. The trucking industry is trying to recruit and retain more women drivers to join their fleets. So, these trucking companies are trying to recruit and retain women drivers by letting them know they are needed and wanted!

The Lifestyle of a Truck Driver

Being a trucker out on the road is not an easy job. For many learning the ins and outs of a trucker’s lifestyle tends to have people turning their head. Being new to the trucking industry and being the low man on the totem pole often means longer drive times and time away from family.

Being a commercial driver can take a toll on a person’s body. Trying to eat healthy can become a challenge when you are only able to get your truck in and out of truck stops where mostly greasy food is served. However, having healthy eating habits and bringing healthy food items while on the road can prevent long-term health concerns such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.

Another lifestyle that truckers become accustomed to is lack of sleep. With trying to get their freight delivered quickly and often mean a driver skips out on rest breaks. However, now with the strict HOS and Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate in place – drivers are required to take frequent breaks to prevent sleepless driving.

Why Become an Owner Operator?

So, with what seems to be only negative outlooks on the trucking industry why would anyone want to become a truck driver let alone an owner-operator? Well, there are many benefits to becoming an owner-operator, especially with Landstar!

So, while many people are still turning their heads at the opportunity at becoming a truck driver because of time away from their children, spouses and loved ones – this is not the case with becoming an owner-operator.

There are many benefits of becoming an owner-operator – especially signing on with Landstar. At Landstar, you get to be your own boss. You are in control of your success. However, you are not entirely alone. Landstar takes pride in their drivers and is in involved as needed by the driver – or stands along the sidelines cheering them on. Landstar takes pride in all of their drivers’ success! So what are some of the benefits of becoming an owner-operator with Landstar? Below we have complied some of the most common benefits that we hear many drivers bragging about!

Driving Opportunities

With Landstar, you are not forced only to haul one specific type of load. Landstar offers many driving opportunities including

• A certain percentage of line haul depending on freight.
• 100% fuel surcharge
• Weekly Settlements
• Cargo Insurance
• Two -day securement classes for those who do not have experience in flatbed loads.

• • Great hauling rates

• • Team freight availability

• • Access to Landstar’s Load Board with over a thousand loads that meet your specific driving needs.

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• Non-forced – meaning take loads when you want where you want! More time home with family and loved ones.

Hauling Driving Opportunities

1. •
   1. • Dry Van

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1. 1. • Flatbed/Stepdeck

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1. 1. • Specialized or Heavy Haul

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1. 1. • Ammunition & Explosive Freight

With Landstar on your side, you get to be your own boss and grow your own business. If you are ready to become an owner-operator contact a Non-Forced Dispatch recruiter – a Landstar Agent today!