Air cargo industry warns of delays due to truck driver shortage

Dive Brief:

The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) warned efficiency in the air cargo industry will decrease as a result of the truck driver shortage, Air Cargo News reported.
In a TIACA newsletter, as cited by Air Cargo News, TIACA board member Denis Choumert said delays created by a shortage of truck drivers could lead to missed or delayed deliveries, which is especially detrimental to perishables transported by air.
Choumert called on the entire supply chain to become more efficient through digital systems and automation.

Dive Insight:

The truck driver shortage and its impact on supplier deliveries is not a new story to supply chain managers. Intermodal logistics professionals are also feeling the impact with delays in time sensitive deliveries and perishable products.

The push to driverless vehicles and other methods of automation may help the situation in the long term, but short term solutions are needed. A ripple effect of the shortages is felt throughout all levels of industry.

The shortage is the result of a long and winding road that has haunted the trucking industry for decades, an industry where a 100% annual turnover is not uncommon.

A recent article in the New York Times describes an industry rife with companies that take advantage of truckers through a mix of low pay and marginal benefits, poor treatment and a reliance on contractors and temporary employees. While not all trucking companies are bad actors, there are enough to contaminate the pool, contributing some very bad public relations for driver recruiters, compounding the problem.

The selection of transportation providers is no different than any other supplier category. It's less about cost these days than about working with companies with a dependable cadre of drivers who follow through on their pick-up and delivery responsibilities.

Trucking companies that offer decent wage and benefits, treat their employees with respect and provide safe and well running equipment seem to be in a good position. Relationships with high performing suppliers do matter.