Important Freight Shipping Issues You Need to Know
3 Important Freight Shipping Issues You Need to Know
Important Freight Shipping Issues You Need to Know
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) publishes its Top Industry Issues Report annually, identifying the top 10 leading issues in truck driving, as voted by the industry, of the year. Various issues have cropped up over the years; some are original to the current events of that year, while others are mainstays that have plagued truck driving over the years.
We sorted through the ATFI’s reports over the last few years and found 5 long-term issues that shippers should also worry about. The trucking industry’s issues can affect how quickly and efficiently your freight is delivered, which is why shippers must understand some of these core problems and how the industry is attempting to fix them.
Read on below to see which 5 important freight shipping issues made the cut!
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5 Important Freight Shipping Issues to Consider
Note: These items are not in order and are just a few of the many issues plaguing the trucking industry.
Truck Parking
Trucks have a difficult time parking their vehicles. Urban and suburban infrastructure was not designed with semi-trailers in mind; therefore, truckers must maneuver carefully lest they cause irreversible damage to the environment, their truck, pedestrians, or freight.
Truck drivers have advocated for better truck parking for several years, but in 2021, their wishes saw the light of day. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), signed in 2021, promises expansions of truck parking capacity through funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation. These projects could give truck drivers the space they need to safely transport freight without harming others and themselves.
Driver Shortages
Trucking companies are having a hard time finding drivers to fill their fleets. While it’s easy to blame the global pandemic in 2020, this issue has persisted for many years. The average truck driver is around 49 years old, meaning many drivers are aging out, with fewer people replacing them. Freight will take longer to ship out due to the lack of drivers to pick up the slack, increasing customer dissatisfaction.
Research is being conducted to understand why there aren’t as many prospective drivers entering the industry and what can be done to entice newcomers. Some advocate expanding commercial driver’s license (CDL) eligibility from 21 years old to 18-20 years old; some support an industry-wide rebranding of the industry; some even support reforming truck driving training schools through the use of modern technology like virtual reality.
Driver Retention
On the flip side, drivers who managed to hang on in the industry also leave it behind in droves. Truck drivers find the dismal pay, difficult hours, and conservative attitudes of older truck drivers to be the main reasons for not remaining in the trucking industry, especially for female truck drivers. This leaves trucking companies scrambling to fill the positions, leading back to the issue of driver shortages.
Experts are determining the best way to keep drivers behind the wheel. The most promising strategy the industry is looking towards is improving the workforce by focusing on driver health and happiness. This includes evaluating and reforming health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid vacations, which are woefully behind other industries.
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Fuel Prices
Fuel costs rise and fall like a loopy rollercoaster, as they have been for decades. This is thanks partly to inflation and difficulties finding fuel sources. Fuel costs affect how far a truck driver can travel, meaning rising freight rates are within sight for shippers.
Aside from finding ways to lower fuel costs, industry experts are also researching alternative and renewable fuels, like CNGs, to replace traditional oil. Companies are also funding research and development of alternative vehicles, like electric and hydrogen trucks, as a new method for truck driving and delivering freight efficiently (as well as environmentally sound).
Economy
It makes sense that the economy would be a major headache for many drivers. The trucking industry is not an isolated business; it influences the economy just as much as the economy influences it. When the economy hits a low, the trucking industry could either be one of the factors behind it or be affected by the dip. On the bright side, a healthy economy can also lift up the trucking industry.
The 2023 TIC report cited the economy as the number one concern of that year, which makes sense: inflation and rising interest rates resulted in reduced freight and rates for the entire industry. With the future uncertain, truck drivers are hoping to reform or repeal ineffective industry regulations and inform others about increasing operational costs that could trickle down to the economy as a whole.
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FreightCenter Stands with the Trucking Industry
FreightCenter is aware of the troubles and tribulations the trucking industry is experiencing. When times are bad for trucking, it’s bad for all logistics industry personnel. These important freight shipping issues can affect the price of freight shipping, but with the right 3PL, you can find discounted rates from some of the top freight carriers nationwide.
With over 25 years of experience in the logistics industry, FreightCenter is ready to tackle the trucking industry challenges on our customers’ behalf. Your FreightCenter agent will guide you through the freight shipping process, from beginning to end, finding the best quotes for your freight. We also provide customizable shipping options, friendly customer service, and redeemable rewards that will leave an impact on your shipping experience.
Ready to take on the challenge? Call us at (800) 716-7608 to speak to one of our agents, or try our free online quote tool to start saving on freight shipping today!
3 Advantages of Using FreightCenter for Freight Shipping
25+ Years of Service
We have over 25 years of experience, as evidenced by our large network of professional carriers. Our knowledgeable team of shipping experts is ready to help you optimize your shipping experience.
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Need a liftgate? No problem! Need to ship your products quickly? We got you covered! Our FreightCenter agents can offer tailored solutions for your specific shipping needs while offering affordable rates you can’t find anywhere else.
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Our customer support team has the answers to many of your shipping questions and concerns. We’re here to help you through every step of the shipping process, from initial inquiries to post-shipment issues.
