Driver shortage may affect commerce

Transportation experts predict a 25%-30% decrease in Class A drivers

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The latest report from the California League of Food Producers shows a dramatic decrease in Class A drivers. According to the CLFD during the recent carrot and onion harvest demand for drivers were at an all time high.

Transportation experts are reporting that many drivers opted not to work during the pandemic in fear of contracting the deadly Coronavirus. So, commerce turned to Capitol Hill which in turn Caltrans raised the allowable weight limit to offset the driver shortage.

The California Trucking Association predicts that the need for drivers will continue to raise. According to the CTA, the average age of drivers on the road is 50-years old.

As drivers near retirement age, replinishing our numbers is of the highest priority. During, the pandemic e-commerce demand hit record numbers, pushing companies to offer special incentives to new hires.

Ally Peralta, with the Yuma Driving Trucking School, says that there has always been a shortage, but the pandemic and the demand in e-commerce have made the situation worse. Peralta believes in order to meet the demand government should decrease the age requirement from 21 to 18-years of age.