Many trucking companies are advertising openings for Northeast Ohio trucking jobs – increasingly finding themselves face-to-face with outdated misconceptions about what it means to be a truck driver. Some potential candidates are deterred by pursuing an occupation they erroneously perceive as a low-skill, low-education, low-wage. In fact, as our Cleveland trucking company can firmly attest, these are all myths (albeit persistent ones, unfortunately).

The American Trucking Association reports there is a national truck driver shortage of about 80,000 drivers. This has been a long-simmering issue, but it’s been exacerbated in recent months by the huge spikes in retail sales and e-commerce demands, which have led to massive supply chain bottlenecks.

Ohio trucking jobs – particularly those for heavy and tractor trailer operators – are among the 25 occupations the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services expects to have the most opening through the next seven years. Just within the last month, the Ohio Bureau of Labor Market Information reported there were 72,400 transportation jobs posted. Job ads for big rig operators are No. 2, just after postings seeking registered nurses.

Although it’s true that truckers at some companies have not had the best experiences, that’s far from the universal reality. Just like any industry, trucking and transportation has great employers, and others that fall short. Regrettably, it’s the unfavorable impressions that have been seared into the collective conscience. It’s far past time that changes. As a longtime Cleveland trucking service provider, our low turnover rate and high employee satisfaction soundly belies these assumptions.

The Truth About Northeast Ohio Trucking Jobs

The fact of the matter is that on average, entry-level truck drivers can sometimes earn double the starting salary of many of today’s college graduates. It’s not uncommon for those who pass their commercial driver’s education courses (which typically take 3-6-months) to immediately be approached by multiple job offers. Some new drivers find they’re being offered positions before their training is even complete.

Trucking is an attractive proposition for professionals – one that does require skill. Just as it is with the trades (electricians, plumbers, masons, carpenters, etc.), the commitment and contributions of truckers hasn’t historically been celebrated the way they should have been. We are however seeing a definite shift, particularly as the pandemic has highlighted how vital these professionals are to the function of daily life in this country.

Another myth-buster concerns the working conditions of truckers. Sleepers, particularly in newer models, can be on par with a hotel in terms of amenities. Modern trucks are comfortable and ergonomically designed to ensure the driver stays alert and focused. Furthermore, many truck drivers are physically fit and mentally sharp – they need to be for compliance with local, state, and national safety requirements. 

It’s true that for long-haul truckers, it’s something of a way of life, but there is a unique peer camaraderie and a chance to travel the country. For those who want to stay closer to home and work more standard hours, there is no shortage of positions for last-mile and local deliveries that can keep them home two nights a week – frequently on the weekend. Also, unlike so many other jobs, this isn’t one that’s going to be outsourced.

Regulatory Changes May be On the Horizon

With ongoing concerns about the truck driver shortage and supply chain difficulties, Gov. Mike DeWine – along with more than a dozen other governors – is asking the White House to:

• Lift the federal vaccine mandate for truck drivers.
• Lower the minimum age for one to obtain a commercial driver’s license. (One can obtain a CDL at 18, but those drivers are limited to intrastate jobs.)
• Allow drivers to stay on the roads for longer stretches.
• Increase how much weight trucks can carry without a permit. (The weight limit in Ohio was temporarily increased previously during the pandemic from 80,000 pounds to 90,000 pounds, but attempts to make that permanent so far have failed.)

In the long-term, the recently-passed infrastructure bill will help with safer, more sustainable modern infrastructure.

At On Time Delivery & Warehouse will continue to remain at the forefront of trucking trends, offering competitive pay and benefits, well-maintained fleets, and a positive working environment for all valued drivers on our team.

Interested truck driving and warehouse job candidates can call us Monday through Friday at (440) 826-3646 or fill out an in-person application between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at 6675 Eastland Road, Cleveland, OH.