Where are all the great tank truck drivers?

Nov. 16, 2011
Truck drivers need to be courted through sophisticated searches, compensated more lavishly, and treated as equal partners and valuable resources, according to a panel on a webinar hosted by Bulk Transporter and National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC)

National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) declared 2012 The Year of Tank Truck Driver Sustainability and, sure enough, our industry is now experiencing a severe shortage of truck drivers, as well as truck mechanics and trailer repair technicians. The continued driver shortage may very well be the most critical factor in the future success of tank truck fleets.

Even with unemployment well above 9% and despite hefty hiring and referral bonuses, the driver population is shrinking at an alarming rate. Some fleets report turnover rates approaching 75%, and competition for the solid, qualified drivers has become incredibly intense. Fleet executives are cordially invited to join Bulk Transporter and NTTC for a one-hour webinar on November 30 to hear several distinguished industry leaders discuss how they manage driver sustainability at their operations.

Speakers include Greg Hodgen, current NTTC Chairman and President/COO of Groendyke Transport; Steve Rush, former NTTC Chairman and President of Carbon Express Inc; and Barbara Windsor, former Chairman of both the ATA and the NTTC and President/CEO of Hahn Transportation. The upcoming Bulk Transporter/NTTC webinar is graciously sponsored by the Allied Committee for the Trucking Industry ("ACT 1") which was established to build goodwill between its member companies and the motor carrier industry. Register today through the following link to participate in this informative program: https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=registration.jsp&eventid=376174&sessionid=1&key=01BD3D9FC75F4A8A0AD2753168AB67F9&partnerref=bt_invite2&sourcepage=register

About the Author

Rick Weber | Associate Editor

Rick Weber has been an associate editor for Trailer/Body Builders since February 2000. A national award-winning sportswriter, he covered the Miami Dolphins for the Fort Myers News-Press following service with publications in California and Australia. He is a graduate of Penn State University.