For years, industry leaders have wailed about the “trucking driver shortage” like it’s the villain in some highway horror story. But is the problem truly that there aren’t enough drivers out there, or is something more nuanced—or laughable—going on? Let’s buckle up and take a closer look.

First, Let’s Talk About Those “Record Job Openings”

Yes, there are loads of unfilled truck driving positions, and, yes, companies claim they’re desperate for new hires. It’s almost poetic how every press release seems to paint this picture of thousands of lonely rigs crying on the side of the road, begging for someone to hop in and take the wheel. But here’s a thought: are these positions really unfillable, or are the job postings sprinkled with unicorn-level requirements? You know, like “must have 10 years of experience, a spotless record, and a magical ability to never request time off.”

The truth? Many trucking companies are guilty of setting the bar so high it’s practically sitting in the stratosphere. Combine that with some drivers’ reported frustrations about low pay, grueling hours, and less-than-ideal working conditions, and voilà! You’ve created a recipe for job postings that get more scroll-past than swipes-right.

So… Is There Really a Driver Shortage?

If you ask the drivers themselves, you might get a different answer. Despite the industry’s constant lamenting, the number of people getting commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) has actually been climbing in recent years. What’s more, many of these newly minted CDL holders aren’t exactly flocking to the traditional trucking companies that claim to be desperate for help. Instead, they’re hitting the road on their own terms—starting independent trucking businesses and becoming their own bosses. Why drive for someone else when you can call the shots yourself?

And don’t even get us started on retention issues. It’s not that there aren’t enough drivers—it’s that drivers often don’t want to stick around. Whether it’s burnout from unrealistic schedules, lack of respect from management, or frustration over pay rates that haven’t exactly kept up with inflation, the turnover rates speak volumes.

Are All the “Bad Drivers” Taking Over?

Ah, the age-old scapegoat: “There are too many unemployable drivers out there!” Sure, there are undoubtedly a few steering-wheel cowboys who make everyone cringe, but is the entire industry really swamped with bad drivers? Doubtful. It’s just easier to blame applicants for being “unqualified” than to admit that maybe—just maybe—the industry itself could use a little introspection.

After all, what makes someone “unemployable”? Is it truly a lack of skill, or is it a refusal to accept subpar pay and treatment? One person’s “bad driver” could very well be another person’s savvy entrepreneur who knows their worth.

The Real Question: Are We Facing a Shortage or a Shift?

Instead of whining about shortages, maybe it’s time the trucking industry shifts its approach. Offer competitive pay, treat drivers like the professionals they are, and—radical idea incoming—create jobs that people actually want. Drivers aren’t disappearing; they’re just steering their careers in directions that make sense for them.

So, is there a driver shortage? Perhaps not. But there might just be a shortage of companies willing to change gears.