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Driver Shortage – Become an Owner Operator Truck Driver Today

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Why you should lease on as an owner operator truck driver? Even though the trucking industry carries freight throughout the United States – finding drivers to fill the positions has become harder. Not being able to fill these positions has resulted in higher salaries and driver pay that trucking companies cannot afford, and the possibility of self-driving trucks.

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The need for drivers has increased due to the age of some drivers already in the transportation industry, e-commerce, and higher oil and gas prices. Companies such as Wal-Mart and Amazon are offering fast delivery options such as next day or two-hour delivery. By upping the delivery options, this calls for the need of more drivers. So, why has the driver shortage become a problem? Below are some common reasons the driver shortage has increased over the years.

Age and Gender

With the shortage of drivers, one of the most significant issues in the trucking industry is carriers putting their focus on recruiting more younger drivers and women. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average age of a truck driver today is 52. Within a few years, these long-term drivers will be retiring, and this will increase the driver shortage significantly.

Another issue in the trucking industry is the lack of diversity. There is a 47-percent of women in today’s workforce. However, only 6-percent women are truck drivers. Often, individuals believe being a truck driver is just for men. You must be strong to be a truck driver. However, that is not the case. The trucking industry is always recruiting and retaining more women drivers to join their fleets. Trucking companies such as Landstar looking to recruit and retain women drivers by letting them know they are needed and wanted! If you are a woman and looking to become a successful owner-operator, now is the time. Contact our Landstar recruiting office at 330-484-6013 Option #2.

The Lifestyle of a Truck Driver

Being a truck driver is not an easy job. For many learning the ins and outs of  the lifestyle of a truck driver tends to have people turning their head from the industry. Being new to the industry and being the low man on the totem pole often means longer drive times and time away from the family.

Being a driver can also take a toll on a person’s body. Eating healthy can become a challenge when you are only out of your truck when stopping at truck stops where mostly greasy food is served. However, having healthy eating habits and bringing healthy food items while on the road can prevent long-term health concerns such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.

Another lifestyle that truck drivers become accustomed to is lack of sleep. With trying to get their freight delivered quickly often this means drivers skip out on rest breaks. However, now with the strict HOS and Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate in place – drivers are required to take frequent breaks to prevent sleepless driving.

Why Become an Owner Operator Truck Driver?

With what seems to be only negative outlooks on the trucking industry, why would anyone want to become a truck driver, let alone an owner-operator? Well, there are many benefits to becoming an owner-operator, especially with Landstar!

So, while many people are still turning their heads at the opportunity at becoming a truck driver because of time away from their children, spouses and loved ones – this is not the case with becoming an owner-operator.

There are many benefits of becoming an owner-operator – especially signing on with Landstar. At Landstar, you get to be your own boss. You are in control of your success. However, you are not entirely alone. Landstar takes pride in their drivers and is in involved as needed by the driver – or stands along the sidelines, cheering them on. Landstar takes pride in all their drivers’ success!

So, what are some of the benefits of becoming an owner-operator with Landstar? Below we have compiled some of the most common benefits that we hear many drivers bragging about!

Owner Operator Truck Driving Opportunities

With Landstar, you are not forced only to haul one specific type of load. Landstar offers many driving opportunities including:

  • A certain percentage of line haul depending on freight.
  • 100% fuel surcharge
  • Weekly Settlements
  • Cargo Insurance
  • Two -day securement classes for those who do not have experience in flatbed loads.
  • Great hauling rates
  • Team freight availability
  • Access to Landstar’s Load Board with over a thousand loads that meet your specific driving needs.
  • Non-forced – meaning take loads when you want where you want! More time home with family and loved ones.

Hauling Driving Opportunities

With Landstar on your side, you get to be your own boss and grow your own business. If you are ready to become an owner-operator contact a Non-Forced Dispatch recruiter at 330-484-6013 Option #2 – a Landstar Agent today!