As of June 2018, the unemployment rate hit a record low of 4.9%, leaving many to believe that the US economy is on a proverbial heater. While some industries have remained sluggish, the transportation and warehousing sectors have been steadily adding job openings causing a strong demand for new workers. Roughly 1 in 5 jobs in the transportation and warehousing sector are truck driving jobs, however, other jobs such as freight agents, warehouse associates, and logistic analysts are in need of qualified applicants as well. According to the American Trucking Association, the industry is short some 48,000 drivers, but this number could rise to 175,000 over the next six years.
Talent Wars in Transportation Industry Likely
Ordinarily, when unemployment is low, it becomes difficult to find qualified applicants to fill your open jobs. If you’re a hiring manager in the transportation industry, you’re probably feeling the burn. While hiring rates improved modestly to 3.8%, they have still failed to keep pace with the amount of transportation jobs in the US. Because of the economy, trucking companies, as well as other logistics and transportation companies, will have to use new, technology-centered recruitment strategies to attract younger and female drivers. Accordingly, the hiring pressure will certainty force companies to pay their workers more or risk losing them to other industry players.
Great Time to Consider A Transportation Job
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, total job openings and hire rates have both climbed significantly over the past 12 months. In total the number of transportation jobs rose to 6.7 million last month. When compared to total employment openings, the job openings rate for the transportation industry hit a record level of 5.0%. For those workers currently employed in the transportation sector, pay is likely to rise as wages face upward pressure. The current job market also eludes too many workers switching jobs in order to make an upward move or obtain an increase in salary.
Warehousing and Transportation Jobs in Tennessee
Roane Transportation has built an amazingly strong team and applied material handling innovations in warehousing and transportation to the meet the demands of today’s logistic demands. If you’re interested in working for a world-class organization with amazing benefits, terrific team members, advanced equipment, and a stellar industry reputation, apply with us today. Want to learn more before applying? Contact us by calling 865-354-3288 or online HERE.