Home

What We Do For You

DriversAgent has relationships with the top truck driving schools and trucking companies in the industry. If you are looking for the best school, or if you already have your CDL, we can guide you down the path of success!

DriversAgent Network

The truck driver's online reference guide to the growing truck driving industry.
Trucking In The Current Economy

When economies start to turn south, like the U.S. economy is at the moment, some drivers begin to wonder if it’s time to park their truck, hang up their keys and walk away. This is a rational concern for any experienced truck driver to think about. It’s hard to see an upside when it appears freight is dwindling and loads are reducing. But don’t despair, all is not lost. There are still plenty of opportunities for experienced truck drivers.

Trucking Companies are Still Hiring

First Name
MI
Last Name
Address
Zip Code
City
State
Contact Number () -
Email
Date of Birth
-
-
Gender
Male
Female
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
Yes
No
Do you have a class 'A' commercial drivers license (CDL)?
Yes
No
Please keep me updated on new employment opportunities and career information.
Turnover rates in the trucking industry are high even during good economic times. Truck drivers tend to not stay with the same company for very long, so trucking companies are always looking to hire good, experienced truck drivers. Also, downtimes tend to weed out fly-by-night or slacker drivers, leaving more opportunities for loads for truckers that are in it for the long haul. If you’re trucking company isn’t giving you the loads and freight you expect then check around to see if there is another company that can. There is always freight to be shipped so find out which companies are shipping the most.

Size Matters

Consider switching from a smaller trucking company to a larger company. Smaller trucking companies tend to have a harder time staying afloat and take the biggest beating during economic downturns. They don’t have the resources, capital, connections or bargaining power to reduce their costs or to withstand loses for very long.

Large companies, however, have more finances backing them and better freight opportunities. Large companies can experience more expansion during poor economic times than during good. Large companies can afford to negotiate lower contracts with customers to operate at a loss during downtime to pick up new freight business. This increases their demand for additional experienced drivers. When the economy picks up the large companies then renegotiate higher contracts and recoup their losses.

Large companies also have the clout to negotiate for cheaper operating costs, such as lower costs for fuel, equipment, parts and supplies. Since new truck sales drop during down economies, large companies can get better deals on truck prices and can afford to buy more new trucks than they would during more prosperous times. And for each new truck they buy they need an experienced driver to fill it.

Hit the Road

You likely became a truck driver because you liked the flexibility and the travel, so it’s time to be flexible and possibly do some traveling. Although recessions affect the whole country, some parts get affected more than others. For example, loads could be very sparse in Detroit, Cleveland or Buffalo but be very plentiful in Las Vegas, Salt Lake or St. Louis. If you’re not getting the freight and loads in your area, consider relocating to a new area or driving for an out-of-state company.

Other Side of Fence Not Greener

With hot deals on trucks during recessionary periods, it may seem like a good time to buy your own truck and hit the road as an owner operator. Be very cautious if you choose to go this route. Remember that the larger companies have all the advantages during down economies and you’ll be competing directly with them. As one blogger wrote, it can be the equivalent of opening up small shop next door to Wal Mart. If you’re an experienced driver with dreams of being your own boss, you may still want to consider getting the deal on the truck, but still drive for a large company until you can get your finances, connection and resources in order so when the economy takes off, you’ll be ready to also.

Keep On Truckin’

Finally, just because there is a recession it doesn’t mean that you have to participate in it. Seasoned truck drivers have been through tough times before and the good ones always come out fine on the other end. It just takes some planning. Remember, freight is still flowing, the demand for truck drivers remains high, companies are still hiring and there is still money to be made. So it may as well be you making it.