Young drivers wanted, older drivers needed: the industry’s biggest dilemma

Young workforce or dignified retirement?

In 2022, the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program, established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), was implemented to address the driver shortage and attract drivers under 21 into the industry. The program concluded on November 7, 2025, and only 211 carriers applied to participate this year, of which just 62 were approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Thus, the issue persists. The workforce in the road transportation industry continues to age, shifting between fleets but never leaving the sector entirely. According to CCJ survey data, 71% of respondents have been part of the trucking industry for more than 20 years, which helps explain the rising average age of truck drivers.

The problem does not lie strictly in age, but in what age implies: retirement. An older driver is closer to leaving the workforce, creating vacancies and contributing to the current driver shortage. According to CCJ Digital, 52% of respondents said that saving for retirement is their primary motivation for continuing to drive. In contrast, a younger driver does not yet have this concern, which makes it easier for them to leave the industry.

However, retirement is not yet on the horizon for all truckers nearing retirement age. Nearly 70% of respondents said they are saving for retirement, yet 67% stated they have not saved enough to stop working.

This raises another issue: ensuring a dignified retirement for drivers. While the transportation industry seeks to attract younger workers, it must also look after those who are already part of the sector.