Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
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JOURNAL NEWS T Truckload driver turnover surges in 2Q he annualized turnover rate for linehaul truckload fleets of all sizes surged in the second quarter, with turnover at large fleets breaking the 100 percent barrier for the first time in more than four years, according to the American Trucking Associations' quar- terly Trucking Activity Report. For large truckload fleets, those who report in excess of $30 million in reve- nue, driver turnover rose 16 percentage points to 106 percent – the highest level since the fourth quarter of 2007. The last time the turnover rate was more than 100 percent was in the first quarter of 2008. "We continue to see steady, albeit slug- gish, growth in freight volumes, which increases demand for drivers," said Bob Costello, ATA chief economist. "That, coupled with continued pressure on fleets to improve their safety records as a result of regulatory oversight changes, is increasing competition among carriers for drivers with clean histories." At smaller truckload fleets, turnover jumped to 86 percent in the second quarter, a 15-point jump over the previ- ous quarter. The spike put turnover at its highest level since the third quarter of 2007. "We have been contending that the driver shortage is by and large qualitative rather than quantitative," Costello said. "Despite some esti- mates, I believe that in terms of raw numbers, the trucking industry is cur- rently short somewhere in the range of 20,000 to 30,000 drivers. However, if we continue to see growth in freight volumes, we can expect that number to rise in the near future, exacerbating the qualitative shortage and creating a quantitative one." The turnover rate for less-than- truckload fleets averaged 9 percent in the second quarter, up from 8 percent in the previous quarter. Untitled-11 1 Increase payload up to 100* Spec light, ride right! Choose AIRTEK today. For more innovative ride solutions . . . www.hendrickson-intl.com Write 164 on Reader Service Card or visit ccjdigital.com/info COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2012 21 Hendrickson - CCJ - AIRTEK - HALF PAGE.indd 1 9/14/2012 8:53:25 AM 9/18/12 9:03 AM 1-855-RIDE-RED (743-3733) * Actual weight savings varies by truck manufacturer and vehicle / operating conditions. pounds. AIRTEK®, an innovative front air suspension and axle system, can save up to 100* pounds compared to traditional I-beam axle and two-leaf suspension designs. Hendrickson's commitment to provide durable, lightweight components means greater payload capacity, helping you where it matters the most – your bottom line.