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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Recession Drives Workers to Trucking

Surging unemployment solves industry's chronic struggle to haul in drivers

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(Newser) – Hard times have reversed the trucking industry's trouble finding recruits, the Wall Street Journal reports. Applications have surged as workers who once shunned the industry's demanding conditions can no longer afford to be choosy. At the same time the number of trucks on the road has dropped. Firms that once engaged in cut-throat competition to lure drivers now have a backlog of applications. "I've never seen it like this in 24 years," said one company owner.

More than 137,650 trucks went off the road last year as thousands of trucking firms went out of business.
More than 137,650 trucks went off the road last year as thousands of trucking firms went out of business.   (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter)
Tractor-trailers idle at an Illinois truck stop in this file photo. The filthy conditions at some truck stops are cited by many drivers as one of the industry's biggest drawbacks.
Tractor-trailers idle at an Illinois truck stop in this file photo. The filthy conditions at some truck stops are cited by many drivers as one of the industry's biggest drawbacks.   (Getty Images)
A chronic shortage of drivers once led trucking companies to offer everything from signing bonuses to letting drivers take their pets on the road.
A chronic shortage of drivers once led trucking companies to offer everything from signing bonuses to letting drivers take their pets on the road.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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drlarrymitchell
Feb 27, 09 9:43 AM CST
As a former truck driver, heed my advice: stay away from trucking. The slight bump in money isn't worth it, not when contrasted to the deterioration to your quality of life. Reply
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crossdrawbars
Feb 28, 09 12:42 AM CST
As a former trucker, I have to agree with you... 10 years...wow, it beats the hell out of you. Reply
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