The United States faces a perceived truck driver shortage, but the real issue may be the chronic underutilization of truck drivers due to long delays at shippers’ loading docks. The MIT FreightLab’s Driver Initiative highlights the impact of delays on truck drivers’ time and quality of life. Truck drivers often face unpredictable delays, leading to unmet promises to family and clients. Shippers acknowledge the problem, with live loads (where drivers wait for loading or unloading) being a significant culprit, averaging 2 to 2.5 hours of detention. Such delays result in severe underutilization of daily trucking capacity, with drivers, on average, driving only 6.5 to 7 hours out of the legally allowed 11 hours per day.

The consequences of lost time include wasted capacity and a misperception of a driver shortage. The MIT FreightLab suggests that solutions lie in incentivizing shippers to improve throughput times. Information aggregators and digital freight brokerages offer tools for drivers to share experiences and rate shippers, potentially affecting tender acceptance and rates. The federal government could also play a role by assigning supply chain health letter grades to shipping facilities. The data indicates that improvements are possible, with facilities operating more efficiently during peak arrival times. Adjusting staffing and warehouse policies to accommodate later arrivals could alleviate the issue.

The article emphasizes the human factor, pointing out that truck drivers often endure long delays without access to basic necessities like bathrooms. The need for a more humanistic approach in supply chains, ensuring decency and dignity for all involved, including truck drivers, is highlighted.

Inspired by: https://www.supplychainquarterly.com/articles/9298-are-you-your-truckers-keeper