Home Business Supply chain snags, aging workforce fuel demand for truckers, training
Randy Guillot, president and owner of Triple G Express, a Port Allen-based trucking company, says the median age of truck drivers is high compared to other professions, and the industry is concerned about pending retirements. He says state lawmakers’ proposal to lower the legal driving age for big rigs from 21 to 18 would help.
“The demand is there,” says Quintin Taylor, spokesperson for the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. “Obviously the industry needs more drivers.”
Unfortunately, many potential students cannot afford $5,500 for the relevant LCTCS program. The Louisiana Motor Transport Association Foundation has donated $100,000 to fund scholarships for students to pursue training in transportation and logistics.
“Truckers have faced a critical shortage of workers over the last decade and the pandemic has only exacerbated that problem, especially for tank truck drivers,” says Tom O’Neal, LMTA Foundation board chair and owner of Hercules Transport.