What is the Outlook of the Trucking Industry in 2019?

As we approach 2019 it’s time to start considering what the New Year will mean for the trucking industry. The good news is that the future of trucking looks quite positive as we look toward 2019. Things are believed to continue on the up-and-up throughout the year, even moving into 2020!

Consumer Demand Continues Rising

Consumer demand looks to continue to increase modestly throughout the year. It is estimated that demand for 2019 will rise about 3-4%. As trucks are responsible for transporting about 70% of all consumer goods, this means that there will be plenty of job opportunities for everyone looking to get into the industry. As long as consumer demand continues to grow, the industry will be relatively healthy and job growth will remain largely positive.

Truck Drivers are Needed

There are currently ~52,000 vacancies in the trucking industry all across the country. That means that there is a very good chance that there are job vacancies near the area where you live. Trucking is a great industry to get into and the consistent availability of jobs provides job security for those who choose to enter the field.

Automatic Trucks Are Not Coming Any Time Soon

Many truck drivers are concerned about automatic trucks taking their jobs away. While they are working on making automated trucks, the good news is that the developments of such vehicles are in their infancy stages. These trucks are many years away from being mainstream on the roads. Challenging moves like backing in and out of tight spaces and pulling onto busy highways or interstates will still require human intervention and assistance for decades to come. This means there has to be a trained driver in the truck at all times and that driver’s jobs are very secure.

Truck Driving Proves to Be a Great Career Path

There is a variety of reasons that the trucking industry makes a great, long-term career for you to go into. The average OTR trucking job will start out paying an average of about $45,000+ annually, in addition, providing paid vacation time, full healthcare benefits, and retirement plans to each driver. Many large, national carriers even have programs that assist drivers with being reimbursed for the costs of getting their CDL (usually requiring you to sign a 1-year contract) which will come to you in the form of monthly payments (usually $100 to $400) in addition to your normal monthly salary.

Begin Your New Career in the New Year

As jobs in the trucking industry are in demand going into 2019, there has never been a better time to start a new career in the trucking industry. To begin CDL training in the New Year, contact Georgia Driving Academy. We can help you get enrolled in your classes and on your way to a new career as soon as possible!