MAINE, USA — Chances are we have all bought something at the nearby supermarket, picked up a package at our mailbox, or even at our front door, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.
That is putting a significant spotlight on a worker shortage, truck drivers are urgently needed in Maine and in most states throughout the United States.
As many truck drivers retire in Maine, attracting younger generations to take the wheel has been a real challenge for trucking companies.
According to Brian Parke, the CEO and president of the Maine Motor Transport Association, the state needs about 1,000 drivers to offset the shortage.
"One of the biggest factors for why the shortage is happening is our aging workforce. More drivers are retiring than are joining the profession which is a problem...we found that 37 percent of all Maine CDL holders are people over 60, which is pretty alarming," Parke said.
"One of the things that has come out of this pandemic is the essentiality of the trucking industry has been brought to light... the stability that our industry offers is something that has been appreciated by a lot of people...another reason is that the economy is improving, and with the economy improving, there is just more fleet to haul," said Parke.
To help with the shortage, the association recently kicked off a campaign called "Go. Your Way." to attract more young Mainers to become part of this vital trade.
"We started the campaign focusing on young people, and connecting them to our industry through social media, and the goal is to give them an inside look on the industry," said Parke. "Everything we buy is going to be delivered in some way by a truck."
Parke said there is currently a lot of pressure in delivering groceries, supply for hospitals, and other essentials, "everything America consumes is delivered by truck drivers."
Greg Benasutti has been a propane truck driver for HO Bouchard for the past three years. He said it's a very rewarding job.
"I distribute propane throughout the state and New Hampshire," said Benasutti.
The state's rural nature leaves 85 percent of Maine communities depending exclusively on trucks to haul their goods.
Parke said one of the exciting factors about this career is that most truck drivers make a salary of well over $40,000 a year.
"I know that a lot of people don't think of the trades as like a viable option a lot of the times...everybody wants a four-year degree...but I mean this is a good living," added Benasutti.
For more details about the new MMTA campaign, click here.