Trucking Will Survive This Pandemic

I know some of you are wondering if you should try to get into trucking at this point in time. Others may be concerned about their jobs. What's taking place in the country is crazy in my opinion. But, I want you to know that trucking will survive this madness.

The wrecking ball that has been unleashed on our economic system is destroying lives, families, legacies, and businesses. It's very sad to witness the incalculable destruction. Trucking will take some hits. We're going to see some smaller companies close up. We will also probably be surprised by a couple of the big companies suffering, and reducing their operations, or being absorbed into another large company. Cash reserves are going to prove that old adage about "cash being king."

Those things are normal adjustments during trying times. We will see them happen in the next few months. That does not indicate that trucking is a poor career choice at this juncture. Trucking jobs are available now, and still will be as the dust settles and things fall into realignment.

We are already witnessing supply chains being busted up, and that just compounds the negative effects on various suppliers. Closing restaurants is a great example of this. Food delivery is suffering and so are the vendors in that supply chain. They were specifically geared to supply restaurants, and their packaging is having to be completely re-tooled for grocery store distribution. What a mess!

There's a lot of volatility in the supply chains now. Prices are going to fluctuate wildly. If things stay on lockdown there will be too much truck capacity in comparison to demand and that's going to put tremendous downward pressure on freight rates. That always results in people selling trucks, and that results in the valuations of trucking assets decreasing. None of that is good for the industry.

The truth is that we are in a violent storm. We are also a necessity in times like these. This is not a time to be fearful. It's a time to show your resolve. It's a time to be a Top Tier Driver.

If you need or want a trucking job, I encourage you to be brave and jump into the fray. You will be rewarded.

If you're already employed as a driver I encourage you to be a top performer. Lead by example. Don't cower at what others fear. Lean into your profession with vigor and determination. Be effective. Be proficient. Be productive. Those are the drivers who stand the test of time. They also will survive this unforeseen test of our system of capitalism. Free markets demand efficiencies, and there's no better time to prove you're worth keeping on the payroll.

Keep trucking my brothers and sisters. Your time to shine has come upon you. Face it with determination and boldness. You will slay this dragon!

Have the outfits with schools started their orientations yet? Are DMVs open to taking your test?

Laura

Have the outfits with schools started their orientations yet? Are DMVs open to taking your test?

Laura

My Prime orientation starts tomorrow.

I don't think that the DMVs have opened here in Missouri. However, I did run across this information regarding the waiver of the requirement to have licensed CDL holder in the passenger seat, AFTER, the CLP holder passes the skills test. Thus, as far as Prime goes, I can move on to TNT phase so long as I can pass the skills test. I won't need to get to the DMV before I can start team driving.

FMCSA Waiver for CLP; Licensed Driver in Passenger Seat

The biggest roadblock (pun intended) is people testing for their CLP written. DelcoDave and I are stuck in PA. We can't test for our CLP because the state DMV is closed. If people were able to get their CLP like Rob D. They can at least go forward.

Have the outfits with schools started their orientations yet? Are DMVs open to taking your test?

Laura

It’s the same here in Nevada

I am using the time to study. High Road CDL Training Program

Old School states!

If you need or want a trucking job, I encourage you to be brave and jump into the fray. You will be rewarded.

Bullitt points out!

The biggest roadblock (pun intended) is people testing for their CLP written. DelcoDave and I are stuck in PA. We can't test for our CLP because the state DMV is closed. If people were able to get their CLP like Rob D. They can at least go forward

I want nothing more than to be in an academy training or hitting road with a mentor/trainer right now. The states totally closing down the DMV’s has a lot of us in limbo. It would be nice if the trucking companies could take over the whole process (permit to license) themselves. You would think with everything being shared by computer/internet it could be easily done. Of course since a lot of the DOT is about revenue, we would all still pay our home states their fees and what not

I'm bumping this just because Kearsey mentioned in another thread about things slowing down and people getting laid off. Things are briefly going to be a little unstable. That's why I started this conversation the other day. Supply chains are being interrupted - that's going to feel very unsettling when your load gets rejected, but it's really just a realignment of business.

In times of turmoil changes should be expected because they are a necessity. Keep a cool head and don't panic. Companies that have resources are in the driver's seat when markets get tossed like a salad. It's the small operator who will really struggle with the adjustments. Capacity is going to be excessive for a short period and that will crush the freight rates. Trucking companies will do whatever it takes to get a truck load. Be patient folks, and keep performing like the top shelf professionals that you are. This storm can't rage forever. The biggest ships in this storm have some ballast against the forces of the storm. It's the smaller vessels that will get tossed more violently.

Old School, I am guessing you were probably driving during the Great Recession? If so how were things as a trucker through all of that?

Sorry DJames, but I started driving in 2013.

I have no first hand experience of that time, but have heard others say that most drivers stayed busy. Trucking is uniquely situated in our economic system. It's got to be extremely bad for trucks to stop being needed.