The CDL driver shortage has been an ongoing challenge in the transportation industry, with no signs of slowing down. According to recent reports, the U.S. is facing a shortfall of tens of thousands of drivers, which continues to put pressure on businesses reliant on trucking for supply chain efficiency. While the need for drivers grows, businesses are struggling to recruit and retain qualified drivers. So, what’s the solution?
For many companies, the answer lies in bringing CDL training in-house. In this blog post, we’ll explore why the CDL driver shortage persists and how creating an internal CDL training program can help businesses take control of their hiring needs, reduce turnover, and improve operational efficiency.
Understanding the CDL Driver Shortage
The American Trucking Association (ATA) has predicted a shortage of over 160,000 drivers by 2030 if the current trends continue. Several factors contribute to this growing issue:
Retirement of Experienced Drivers: Many long-haul drivers are aging out of the workforce, leaving a significant gap in experienced personnel.
High Turnover Rates: Truck driving often comes with long hours, demanding schedules, and time away from home, leading to high driver turnover rates across the industry.
Licensing and Regulation Barriers: The process to become a licensed CDL driver has become more stringent with the introduction of Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) mandates in 2022. While these regulations enhance safety, they also create new challenges for businesses to quickly and affordably train new drivers.
Perception of the Profession: For younger generations, trucking doesn’t always appeal as a career path due to lifestyle factors and misconceptions about the industry. This has slowed the flow of new entrants.
How In-House CDL Training Can Help
To mitigate the impact of the driver shortage, businesses are taking CDL training into their own hands by setting up in-house programs. Here’s how this approach can be a game-changer for your company:
Speed Up Hiring and Onboarding Traditional CDL schools can be costly, and scheduling your trainees can be difficult due to limited class availability. With in-house CDL training, businesses can fast-track the hiring process by scheduling training based on their operational needs. This reduces the time between recruitment and when a new driver is ready to hit the road.
Tailored to Your Needs External training programs often follow a one-size-fits-all approach. In-house CDL training, on the other hand, allows you to tailor the curriculum to your company’s specific requirements. You can focus on the skills and certifications most relevant to your operations, ensuring your drivers are fully prepared for the unique demands of your routes and equipment.
Cost Savings Outsourcing CDL training can be expensive. Many companies pay substantial fees to send their employees to third-party training centers, only to face delays or additional costs later. In-house training allows businesses to significantly reduce costs by utilizing their own equipment, trainers, and facilities. With the right setup, you could train drivers for a fraction of what traditional CDL schools charge.
Boost Retention Investing in your employees’ training shows commitment to their long-term career growth, increasing loyalty and reducing turnover. Drivers who receive company-sponsored training may feel more engaged and committed to staying with your business for the long term.
Compliance with ELDT Mandates With the recent ELDT requirements in place, ensuring compliance can be difficult when relying on outside vendors. Setting up an in-house program means you’ll have control over the training process, ensuring your company meets all federal regulations for driver education.
Get Started with CDL Solutions ND
At CDL Solutions ND, we specialize in helping businesses establish their own CDL training programs. Whether you need expert Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) guidance or ongoing consulting, we provide the resources and expertise necessary to launch a compliant and cost-effective training solution in-house. You’ll be able to streamline the recruitment process, train drivers according to your specific needs, and reduce the stress of dealing with the national driver shortage.
Take Control of Your workforce with in-house cdl training
If your business has been feeling the strain of the CDL driver shortage, it’s time to explore your options for in-house training. CDL Solutions ND offers everything you need to get started, from developing the training program to providing mobile apps and instructor resources. Let’s work together to solve your driver recruitment challenges.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business overcome the driver shortage with in-house CDL training.
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