As you pull into the gas station to fill up your tank, have you ever stopped to think about how the fuel in the pump got there? America’s tank truck drivers are part of the trucking industry’s 3.5 million professional truck drivers who are on the roads each day delivering fuel and other critical goods that we rely on.
The essentiality of the trucking industry is why I’m especially proud to be part of this great American industry. Here in Kentucky, 89% of communities rely solely on trucking for the delivery of their goods. Without trucking, those everyday goods would not be available. Trucking is a strong contributor to our local economy, providing over 100,000 jobs – thanks to the more than 10,000 trucking companies in the state.
But as demand for freight deliveries continues to grow each year, more support is needed to make sure that American communities remain well stocked. The recruitment of qualified drivers has been a significant challenge for our industry. Despite the many opportunities of a career in trucking, there has been a decrease in the hiring of truck drivers. This driver shortage threatens to slow down, or completely stop, deliveries to here in Kentucky and nationwide.
Latest research from the American Trucking Associations reports a current industry shortage of 78,000 drivers, and its anticipated that the shortage could grow to 160,000 drivers over the next decade. To address this driver shortage and account for current drivers who retire or otherwise leave the industry, the industry must hire 1.2 million new drivers over the next decade.
For those younger Americans who are considering a career path after high school, or for those job seekers who are looking to make a career switch, trucking is great option. With many diverse jobs and specialty areas across the trucking industry, there is truly a career path for anyone.
Before I started my career, I wanted to either be a professional athlete or a truck driver. When sports didn’t pan out, I became a tank truck driver and I have never looked back on my decision. I never imagined the sense of pride that I feel today to be one of America’s professional truck drivers. Road safety is what keeps myself and other drivers safe behind the wheel, so that I can continue to make my deliveries each day on time.
With over 3 million accident-free miles, it’s a great honor to say that I have been driving for over 20 years in this industry accident-free. As the 2022-2023 National Tank Truck Carrier Grand Champion nominated for my safety record, being able to represent my company, the Kentucky trucking industry and my home state at the national championships this year was one of the proudest moments of my career.
Trucking has been a rewarding career for me, providing me with great job opportunities and financial security. With demand for drivers on the rise, I encourage my peers and the younger generation in Kentucky to consider a career in trucking.
The author is Kenneth Tolliver, a professional truck driver for G&D/Hoffman Transportation, resides in Kentucky. Ken is the 2022-2023 National Tank Truck Carrier Champion winner. He has been driving for 22 years and has accumulated three million accident-free miles as a professional driver.
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