The turnover rate for truckload drivers at large fleets rose to 89 percent in the third quarter of 2011, the fourth consecutive quarterly increase, according to the American Trucking Associations.
The third quarter increase follows a previously reported turnover rate of 79 percent in the second quarter of the year and sets the benchmark as the highest level since the first quarter of 2008.
The ATA says large fleet truckload turnover rate is an indication of increased demand and competition for drivers.
“Due to the economic recovery, as well as regulatory factors… we are seeing the market for good, quality drivers tighten,” ATA chief economist Bob Costello said.
“As our tonnage index has shown recently, demand for freight continues to rise, so we expect the need for quality drivers to become more acute going forward,” he said. “Particularly if regulations either force current drivers out of the industry or force fleets to put more trucks on the road.”
Since bottoming out in the first quarter of 2010, the turnover rate has risen 50 percentage points and has averaged 81 percent so far this year.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
