The labor shortage across the broader trucking and logistics industry remains a significant concern. Approximately 74% of U.S. employers in transportation and logistics report difficulty securing skilled talent – and many consider workforce shortages the most pressing issue in their business—more than any other challenge. Many challenges and trends signal a structural and costly labor gap for the industry, ranging from a lack of talent to fill roles such as professional truck drivers and other skilled labor (e.g., warehouse, dispatch, maintenance), outdated industry perceptions, high turnover, and an aging workforce nearing retirement.

 

During this session, panelists will discuss the need for companies to adopt a multi-pronged approach focused on attraction, retention, and modernization. Investing in training and apprenticeship programs can help bridge the skills gap and make entry into the industry more accessible, especially for younger workers. Enhancing compensation, benefits, and work-life balance—such as offering more predictable schedules or regional routes—can reduce turnover and burnout. Panelists also will discuss how companies may need to rebrand the industry’s image by highlighting career growth, technological innovation, and its essential role in the economy to attract a wider, more diverse talent pool. Additionally, leveraging mentorship programs and intergenerational teams can promote knowledge transfer and boost engagement across age groups. Embracing diversity and inclusion, promoting internal advancement, and adopting new technologies that ease administrative burdens and improve job satisfaction will be key to creating a resilient and future-ready workforce.