Average age in the transport sector, what do the figures say?

The results of a survey revealed that no truck driver is younger than 34 years old

Efforts to integrate young drivers into the trucking industry continue to be unsuccessful. According to a recent report from CCJ in collaboration with Lytx, the ages of truck drivers do not meet the current industry needs. Both in company-employed and leased-operator roles, the results revealed that no truck driver was younger than 34 years old, despite efforts to recruit young people aged 18 to 25.

The survey indicates that 74% of respondents belong to the age group of 55 years or older, whether they are company-employed drivers or leased owner-operators. The average age of all respondents was 59.5 years, with minimal differences between company drivers (59.2 years) and leased owner-operators (60.2 years). These figures significantly exceed the industry’s average age of 47 years, according to the American Trucking Associations.

This average contrasts with the average age of the male workforce in the U.S., which, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is 42 years, and 41.6 years for women. According to the University of Nebraska Omaha, nearly a quarter (23.87%) of workers in transportation and warehousing are over 55 years old. The survey also reveals that 71% of drivers have over 20 years of experience in the profession, reflecting a shortage of young drivers in the sector.

While drivers like Kelly Mack McCoy, aged 70, stand out for their lifelong attraction to the road and decades of service in trucking, the fact that truckers reach such advanced ages is not just about their passion for the profession, but also a collective reluctance to retire.

Retirement for truck drivers: Do they want to leave the industry?

Many drivers, both company-employed and leased owner-operators, are approaching retirement age; however, retirement savings are not a top priority for most. Twenty-nine percent are focused on paying monthly bills, with only 15% prioritizing retirement savings, a higher priority among leased owner-operators.

According to the survey, 58% of surveyed drivers currently have no defined plans for retirement, revealing uncertainty about when they will stop driving. Many mention they intend to continue working until their health allows, leading some drivers to surpass 70 years old without near-term retirement plans.

The survey sheds light on the challenges and demographic dynamics in the trucking industry, with significant implications for future planning and attracting new talent. It underscores the urgency of adapting to an aging workforce and the need to implement effective strategies to attract and retain younger drivers. These findings not only highlight the importance of policies and programs that promote generational renewal in the sector but also emphasize the need for innovation and adaptation in response to demographic changes and emerging labor expectations.