The shortage of qualified truck drivers and finding an effective means of
recruiting them is a major issue for motor carriers and for ATA’s membership.
In 2005, ATA began working with industry experts, its member carriers and
government representatives in efforts to address the nation’s widening gap
in qualified truck drivers. In May 2005, ATA contracted with a consulting
firm, Global Insights, Inc., to quantify, as well as qualify, the
actual and projected driver shortages. According to the report, in 2004
the long-haul truckload segment of the industry experienced a shortfall
of 20,000 truck drivers and "in the absence of substantial market adjustments
could rise to [a shortfall of] 111,000 in 2014" (Global Insights, Inc.,
2005).
Expanding upon previously identified strategies
and priorities relative to the shortage crisis, ATA developed its National
Truck Driver Recruiting Campaign (www.GetTrucking.com).
GetTrucking.com is a nationwide effort to promote positive images of truck
driving and to recruit long haul truck drivers into the industry. The overall
goal of the advertising campaign is to increase the base of individuals
who typically become long haul drivers, to include previously untapped labor
pools. The advertising program is expected to raise the image and esteem
of trucking so that prospective truckers see it as an employment option
that stands out among the rest. Television, radio, outdoor advertising and
a decal program are examples of advertising throughout the country. 
The advertising campaign directs new candidates, current truck drivers,
motor carriers and trucking schools to the web site.
The web site, www.GetTrucking.com, has
two main functions. The first is to match new candidates with motor carriers
or truck schools that will help them get started in a truck driving career.The
second is a job board where motor carriers can find qualified CDL holders
to fill open truck driving positions.
If you have questions about the program or
this web site, please contact us at help@gettrucking.com.
The American Trucking
Associations
The mission of the American Trucking Associations,
Inc., is to serve and represent the interests of the trucking industry with
one united voice; to influence in a positive manner Federal and State governmental
actions; to advance the trucking industry’s image, efficiency, competitiveness,
and profitability; to provide educational programs and industry research;
to promote safety and security on our nation’s highways and among our drivers;
and to strive for a healthy business environment.
For more information about ATA, visit http://www.truckline.com.
ATA Headquarters
950 North Glebe Road
Suite 210
Arlington, VA 22203-4181
Or, by e-mail at: GetTrucking@trucking.org