INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Cummins Inc., and the American Trucking Association are taking steps to address the shortage of truck driving professionals. “Our nation’s economy is very much dependent on the trucking industry, and at the heart of it is the driver,” said Amy Boerger, Cummins Vice President of Sales.
The American Trucking Association states the driver shortage right now is near 48,000 and, on the current pace the number could reach 175,000 by 2024. One of causes of the shortage is the increasing average age of truck drivers and retirements.
The National Truck Driving Championships are being held at the Indiana Convention Center this week. For the next three days more than 430 drivers from across the country, representing different companies and fleets, will be competing in various skills competitions.
As part of Cummins efforts to raise awareness to the driver shortage they are using the competition as an opportunity to display advancements in the industry. During the championships, Cummins Inc. is offering ride-and-drives in state-of-the-art tractor trailers equipped with the 2017 X15 engine. The demonstrations show the improving conditions for modern-day truck drivers and hopefully that will draw a new generation of drivers to the profession.