4 Kentucky Trucker DEWELL GOSSETT Kentucky Trucking Association Bulk First, LLC Chairman’s Corner Our research at the association indicates that 89.2% of Kentucky’s communities depend on the truck drivers who bring stores the goods they sell. That makes our industry vitally important to everyone’s quality of life. Being important doesn’t mean the job is simple, though. We must overcome obstacles daily. Some of the biggest problems include truck driver shortages, regulatory changes, deteriorating infrastructure, safety concerns such as COVID-19, and managing the logistics of variable costs and cash flow. I’ve chaired the board of directors for two years now. During that time, KTA has had significant challenges: • The lingering COVID-19 pandemic, which all of us would like to move past • The biggest and fastest fuel cost increases in history • Supply chain issues on parts that have caused extreme price increases well. Most careers don’t give you that kind of money for nothing; however, even though trucking can be difficult, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration limits the workweek for CDL drivers to about 60 hours. Regulatory Changes Naturally, regulations are an everchanging part of life for trucking companies. Three bodies issue new regulations: the Department of Transportation (established in 1966), the National Highway Safety Administration (1970) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (2000). New fuel efficiency standards are being phased in. The process started in 2021 and will also affect trucks in 2024 and 2027. Trucks must be registered, and motor carriers need operating authority to cross state lines. Many drivers need a DOT number, too, for interstate vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds. There’s a fee to operate across state lines and qualifications for drivers to meet. Drivers must comply with drug and alcohol testing, physicals and enhanced entry-level driver training regulations. It’s a lot. And we haven’t even touched on everything else that could change, such as upcoming regulations on truck speed limits, hours of service changes and changing emission standards. Deteriorating Infrastructure Several different factors cause U.S. infrastructure problems. These include underinvestments in public works programs, lack of management and short-term • Truck shortages that make it necessary to wait for the trucks we order now • The highest inflation in 40 years, increasing interest rates and the threat of recession • A continuing driver shortage that has become a regular part of running a trucking company That’s just a partial list, but I hope it gives you a big-picture industry overview. Let’s talk about the big problems I listed above in more detail. Driver Shortages You may have heard or read news stories about a national truck driver shortage. One recent article said there are 80,000 more jobs than there are drivers. In Kentucky, many veteran drivers have retired or are retiring, and young drivers must be 21 or older before crossing state lines. However, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has changed the rules slightly; we now have a probationary period for drivers 18-21; after probation ends, young drivers can drive longer routes alone. Employers continue to monitor them until they are 21, even after the probationary period. Trucking professionals are going to high school job fairs, some schools offer CDL training, and an advisory team is working to increase the number of women truck drivers. Trucking can be a good career. The average annual salary is $47,000, and longtime drivers can earn more than $100,000. You can earn enough to support your family
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