The truck driver shortage is on pace to grow to nearly 48,000 by the end of 2015, according to an analysis conducted by the American Trucking Associations.
The 13-page report is the fourth major analysis conducted by the association since 2005, according to a news release. Research indicates 45 percent of the demand for drivers comes from the need to replace retiring drivers, while another 33 percent is because of industry growth.
Age, gender, lifestyle and regulations have all contributed to the shortage, which the trucking group said could grow to almost 175,000 by 2024. Bob Costello, the association's chief economist, said there is a "quality problem" as well with 88 percent of carriers who participated in the survey for the analysis saying most applicants are not qualified.
Driver pay increases, added home time, better treatment of drivers and improving the industry's image are among the possible solutions to filling the positions.