Truck drivers are always in demand. In Oregon, close to 80% of communities rely on trucks (and truck drivers) to deliver the goods they depend on. While a shifting economy and changing consumer trends can influence freight movement, drivers are needed now and in the future (even if we finally get autonomous trucks). A large portion of the workforce is close to retirement, and the pipeline of replacements is not keeping up. The industry needs to recruit roughly 1.2 million new drivers over the next decade just to replace retirees and meet growing freight demand.
Fact vs. Fiction
Truck drivers continue to fight against long-held stereotypes. Recent headlines have a created further concerns over safety. In reality, U.S. truck drivers are highly skilled, well-trained, safety-minded professionals who are dedicated to delivering essential goods and committed to serving the businesses and communities that depend on them. The number of women and minority drivers grows each year, with efforts underway to increase that number even more. The industry is also paying close attention to the next generation of drivers.
Just the Stats
- There are an estimated 3.6 million commercial truck drivers currently employed in the United States
- Women represent just 8.0% of all commercial truck drivers
- Veterans make up 13% of all commercial truck drivers
- The average age of an employed commercial truck driver is 47 years old
- In Oregon, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers held 24,720 jobs
- The median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is $58,640
Oregon Truck Driver Tuition Loan Program
Oregon’s solution to the truck driver shortage has been to motivate interest and opportunity in our industry by providing loans of up to $3000 to help new drivers cover some of the cost of training through the Oregon Truck Driver Loan Program. This revolving loan program was established through the Oregon Legislature and originally funded with a $386,000 grant.
Interest in the program has been strong, and there was a need to add additional funding due to the slow loan repayment schedule. An additional $250,000 was added to the program in recognition of the driver need and certified schools now have an opportunity to help these potential students receive loans through the program.
As these loans are repaid, on-going loans will become available beyond the original principal. Worksystems, Inc. is the fiscal agent, and OTA manages the program.
Students can apply for the Oregon Truck Driver Loan Program through their local truck driving school. Feel free to contact us with any questions about the program.