New survey uncovers impact of driver shortage in relation to equipment purchases

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a new survey conducted by CK Commercial Vehicle Research (CKCVR), some worrisome results were revealed: the driver shortage is too prevalent and will likely impact future vehicle purchases. 

These results were found in the Q2 2014 Fleet Sentiment report where current environments at trucking fleets were examined. Many fleets reported that because of their inability to recruit and retain drivers, they could not grow and add equipment. 

In additon, CKCVR’s FSR buying index for Q2 (101.8) was down from Q1 but slightly above the same quarter last year. 

The survey also found a tight capacity situation with high utilization; no trucks parked for lack of work and on the whole, a positive view of business conditions. 

CKCVR has been surveying fleets for more than 10 years. For more information on the survey, click here. 







http://ck-marketing-communications.us3.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=2e11ecade8218f6348ff8425b&id=353988669c&e=8bab31af24

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  • While trucks remained mechanical and unchanged for many years and quite reliable, the morphing of truck technology continues with its complications,Until trucks arrive to be as stable and cost efficient as in the 70’s-80’s-90’s, drivers & purchasers will remain apprehensive with there investment dollars. 7 mpg is still 7 mpg.

  • I do not believe the truck or the equipment plays the biggest part in driver retention. Yes the driver wants comfort and reliability but there are many other issues that are turning drivers off.

    Drivers are told to go pick up a load at a shipper. They arrive at the shippers place and they are told the load is not ready, or it is not here yet,… There are so many excuses given by 3rd party load brokers and shippers.

    Then they are told after waiting for their load that there is an early morning delivery time for this load. So the driver runs the wheels off the truck to arrive on time only to be told to go wait in the yard til we get some room in the warehouse.

    The industry has given shippers and receivers too much leeway with their freight. The driver is the whipping horse of the industry. Yet they are the only one’s that are regulated with the log book. The driver has no input on the making of the rules yet these same rule makers will not regulate or enforce any rules with the shippers or receivers.

    If the “powers to be” would clean up the industry the troubles with the driver shortage will lessen.

  • If the driver shortage was truly “too prevalent” rates would increase.

    Perhaps fleets should be more concerned about increasing rates instead of “grow and add equipment”.