Trucking Industry Welcomes Training Program

Leaders in the trucking industry know all too well there just aren't enough drivers on the road to fill the demand for transporting goods across the country. 

And while this shortage may be paying off for drivers, Ozarks trucking companies now find themselves without enough qualified candidates.   

The shortage has gotten so bad that local trucking companies actually approached Ozarks Technical Community College last fall about starting a trucking school.  That plea has now become a reality with OTC announcing the opening of its own truck driving school.  

Beginning next month, students will be able to take a five week course to attain their commercial driver’s license.   That's important because a lot of trucking companies won't employ drivers without a C.D.L. and it's a C.D.L trained-driver that trucking companies are fighting for.

The American Trucking Association reports a shortage of 20,000 drivers across the country right now.  And that shortage is projected to grow to more than 100,000 by 2014.

So, area trucking outfits say any new outlet to attract candidates will help companies in the long-run.

Sundy Muse-Morton with O & S Trucking says, "The average truck driver is in his mid-50s and is going to be retiring."

Joel Doepker, a spokesman for OTC added, "The turnover rate for truck drivers in the Springfield area along is tremendous.  We're talking thousands of truck drivers that quit and are rehired every single year. And the local trucking companies desperately need drivers.  We feel this school can fill that need."

OTC tells KOLR10 News the classes will begin next month and it expects to start new courses every few weeks.  The school says trucking companies have really played an integral role in shaping the curriculum and even donating trucks.  Also, part of the curriculum will also focus on staying healthy on the road and quality of life issues.

There is one other truck driving school in the metro area, but trucking companies say there are enough people to fill up any seats offered by both schools.