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Concerns of a Driver Shortage


The trucking industry faces growing pressure to keep up with America's rising consumption. By the end of 2027, truck freight is expected to increase by 27%. Trucking companies must find ways to meet this demand, but this will be difficult because there aren't enough drivers. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) says over 96,000 new drivers will be needed each year for the next decade. Nearly half of these new drivers are needed to replace retirees, while a third are needed to handle more freight. Because qualified drivers are in short supply, salaries are rising and companies are coming up with new ways to attract and keep drivers.
What are you doing to retain the good drivers you have today?
The following are some tips to consider for retaining the good drivers you have:
  1. Be open and honest with your drivers. Make sure your company policies are clear and realistic. Many drivers leave because they feel their company was not truthful with them.
  2. Treat drivers as valuable team members and show they are important to the company.
  3. Include drivers in company decisions, like choosing equipment or reviewing policies. Build strong relationships by showing you care about their well-being, from management down.
  4. Make sure your pay and benefits are competitive with other companies.
  5. Keep vehicles well-maintained so drivers are safe on the road.
  6. Offer regular training and opportunities to grow. Drivers who can learn and advance are more likely to stay.
  7. Stick to high hiring standards. Good drivers want to work with other skilled drivers, not with those who are less qualified.
  8. Give new drivers a thorough orientation before they start. They should know company rules up front, not after they've started working.
  9. Celebrate drivers for their safe driving, loyalty, and customer service. Make recognition personal, like giving them awards or public praise in front of coworkers.
  10. When a driver leaves, ask them why. Use interviews or surveys to learn the real reason for their departure.

Help Your Fleet Drivers Avoid Rear-End Collisions

Many drivers admit to following too closely when they're in a hurry, but this is dangerous. Rear-end crashes are the most common type of accident in the U.S., making up about 29% of all crashes.
If you don't leave enough space between you and the car in front, you won't have enough time to react in an emergency, like sudden braking. The risk of a crash is even higher if you are also speeding or distracted.

A good rule of thumb to gauge following distance rear end Collision

Drivers can avoid rear-end crashes by slowing down and leaving more space between their truck and the vehicle ahead. If possible and safe, they can also pass slower vehicles. Tailgating should never be allowed.
To keep a safe distance, use the 3-second rule: Pick a fixed point by the road. When the vehicle ahead passes it, start counting. If you reach the point before you count to three, you're too close.

Get your drivers ready before they drive

Most drivers know to keep a safe distance, but it's good to remind them regularly with simple safety tips like these:
  • Use the 3-second rule: On dry, straight roads, make sure you have at least three seconds between your truck and the vehicle ahead. This gives you time to react if they stop suddenly.
  • Watch the weather. If the road is wet, snowy, or icy, leave even more space since you need extra time to stop.
  • Check visibility. At night or in low light, make sure your headlights and windshield are clean to see clearly and reduce glare.
  • Know your truck. If your brakes or tires are not in top shape, leave more space to stop safely.
  • Stay focused. Avoid anything that takes your attention off the road, like using your phone, eating, or adjusting the radio. Distractions make crashes more likely.

Caution: Road construction season is here

Drivers should be extra careful in construction zones. Here are some simple safety tips:
  • Slow down and stay alert near construction zones. Get into the correct lane early. Watch out for drivers trying to merge quickly.
  • Don’t use your phone, even hands-free. It’s a distraction.
  • Pay attention to all construction signs.road construction
  • Watch what other drivers are doing.
  • Watch for construction equipment and workers. Be ready to stop at any time.
  • Keep your speed down and don’t follow too closely. Leave extra space to avoid rear-end crashes.
  • Look out for slow construction vehicles entering or leaving the road.
  • Turn on your headlights near work zones so others can see you.
  • Slow down for construction workers.

CVSA Brake Safety Week Scheduled for August 23-29

CVSA Brake Safety Week will take place August 23-29 as part of Brake Safety Awareness Month.
During this event, roadside inspectors will check brake systems and parts, with a special focus on brake drums and rotors. Results from the inspections will be published later in the year. The week also gives motor carriers a chance to teach drivers and maintenance staff about brake safety.

Idealease/NPTC safety seminars are in full swing!

Idealease and the National Private Truck Council NPTC hosted 18 safety seminars in 2025. We are getting ready for the next sessions in the Fall of 2026. The one-day seminars will focus on basic safety and compliance, regulation changes and CSA. The seminars will be provided to all Idealease customers, potential customers and NPTC members at no charge. The seminar provides valuable information applicable for both novice and experienced transportation professionals.
Upcoming Fall seminars confirmed:
  • 9/15/2026 - DePere, WI
  • 9/17/2026 - Southfield, MI
  • 9/22/2026 - Midway, KY
  • 9/24/2026 - Chattanooga, TN
  • 9/29/2026 - Glendale Heights, IL
  • 10/8/2026 - Oxnard, CA
  • 10/20/2026 - Nashville, TN
  • 10/22/2026 - Atlanta, GA
  • 11/10/2026 - Linthicum Heights, MD

*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards.




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