Parts availability and prices are among the biggest problems facing independent drivers. Inflation is pushing owner-operators to readjust routes and loads. With economic pressures including record inflation, still-high diesel prices, and volatile freight markets hurting the bottom line of even the largest carriers, owner-operators are having to stay on their toes as they navigate the winding roads of an uncertain second quarter. Most of the owner-operators have booked shorter routes due to rising costs while the rest have looked for lighter loads.
One owner-operator
One owner-operator, told that lingering supply chain issues have impacted both parts availability as well as his profitability. Sixty-five percent of owner-operators are spending more time and money maintaining their trucks to guard against expensive repairs. With the industry many thousands of drivers short of what carriers would like, current drivers are aware that their workforce doesn’t have the numbers it needs. However, some veteran drivers see the crop of new talent and argue that there need to be stricter requirements for entering the industry, arguing that, despite the driver shortage, quality is important.
The biggest problem with the trucking industry today is training, a person wouldn’t operate a train with only a few weeks of training. High diesel costs are another pressure on drivers, with seventy-seven percent of owner-operators booking shorter routes due to rising costs such as diesel. Seventy-two percent have begun scouring for lighter loads, and sixty-six percent are spending more time rerouting to find more fuel-efficient lanes. Diesel prices have been a thorn in his side, suggesting the government could do more to alleviate prices, such as by lowering fuel taxes.
BULTRANS
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Our professional logistics team has proven track record of providing exactly that.
By choosing BULTRANS you ensure you have a truck showing up on time with professional and safe driver behind the wheel who will deliver you cargo anywhere in the country.
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