The number of wage and salary jobs in the truck transportation and warehousing industry is expected to grow 23 percent from 2002 through 2012, compared with projected growth of 16 percent for all industries combined. Because the industry is large, many job openings will result-not only from employment growth-but also from the need to replace the large number of workers who transfer to other industries or retire. Opportunities in this industry should be good for qualified workers at all levels, especially for truck drivers and diesel service technicians and mechanics.
One of the main factors influencing the growth of the truck transportation and warehousing industry is the state of the national economy. Growth in the industry parallels economic upswings and downturns. As the national economy grows, production and sales of goods increase, thus increasing demand for transportation services to move goods from producers to consumers. In a recession, this industry is one of the first to slow down as orders for goods and shipments decline. Competition in the truck transportation and warehousing industry is intense, both among trucking companies and, in some long-haul truckload segments, with the railroad industry. Nevertheless, trucking has been accounting for an increasing share of freight transportation revenue.
Additional employment growth will result from manufacturers’ willingness to concentrate more on their core competencies-producing goods-and outsource their distribution functions to trucking and warehousing companies. As firms in other industries increasingly employ this industry's logistical services, such as inventory management and just-in-time shipping, many new jobs will be created. Also, the expansion of electronic commerce, as more consumers and businesses make purchases over the Internet, will continue to increase demand for the transportation and logistical services of the truck transportation and warehousing industry.
Opportunities for qualified truck drivers are expected to be favorable. In some areas, companies have experienced difficulties recruiting adequately skilled drivers. Truck driving pays relatively well, but many persons leave the career because of the lengthy periods away from home, long hours of driving, and the negative public image drivers face. Employment opportunities should be more plentiful with truckload carriers than with less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers because many workers prefer the working conditions of LTL carriers. Stricter requirements for obtaining-and keeping-a commercial driver’s license also make truck driving a less attractive career. Opportunities for diesel service technicians and mechanics also are expected to be favorable, especially for applicants with formal postsecondary training.
Growth in the truck transportation and warehousing industry should prompt an increase in office and administrative support employment. More dispatchers, stock clerks, and shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks will be needed to support expanded logistical services across the country. However, fewer secretaries, bookkeepers, and file clerks will be needed because computers and other automated equipment will make workers in these occupations more efficient and productive.
