Note: Today’s post is part of our “Editor’s Choice” series where we highlight recent posts published by our sponsors that provide supply chain insights and advice. This blog comes from MercuryGate.
We recently had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion at the 81st Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Annual Conference. Justin Sachs, director of operational excellence at Schneider Transportation Management was joined by MercuryGate’s Todd Bucher, vice president of fleet and carrier management and Mike Voelk, account executive, for a lively conversation on some of the challenges that carriers are facing, and how technology can help address some of those challenges.
For the many carriers attending the TCA conference, operating on thin profit margins is a way of life. The discussion at TCA focused on several big market forces that are impacting the industry: surging freight demand, the growing driver shortage, and rising fuel costs. Interwoven throughout the conversation was how carriers can use technology to better manage these ongoing challenges.
According to an audience poll that kicked off the TCA session, carriers still see the driver shortage as the market force creating the biggest impact in the industry. And, while the growing driver shortage has been a hot topic for some time now, it remains to be seen which programs, innovations, and incentives can turn the tide.
Tackling the driver shortage issue needs to be addressed at both the industry level and within individual organizations. Many organizations, for example, are instituting better pay for their drivers. Additionally, across the industry there is discussion around lowering the interstate truck driving age from 21 to 18.
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