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Understanding the Truck Driver Supply and Demand Gap and Its Implications for the Canadian Economy The Conference Board of Canada, 41 pages, February 21, 2013 Report by Vijay Gill, Alicia Macdonald

Understanding the Truck Driver Supply and Demand Gap and Its Implications for the Canadian Economy

The Conference Board of Canada, 41 pages, February 21, 2013
Report by Vijay Gill, Alicia Macdonald

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This report quantifies the expected gap between the supply and demand for truck drivers in the for-hire trucking industry and puts this into the context of the economic importance of the industry. Document Highlights As a result of aging driver demographics and a growing demand for trucking services, the for-hire trucking industry can expect to face a driver supply and demand gap of nearly 25,000 drivers by 2020 in a business-as-usual scenario. If improvement in labour productivity is lower in the coming years, the gap could exceed 30,000 drivers. This supply and demand gap will not only affect the trucking industry, but also the ability of its customers to do business and, ultimately, consumers in the prices they pay for goods. It will be important to convince customers of the need to address the situation now and to work with them to develop strategies that make the best use of drivers’ time. The industry feels that there is an important role for government to play in developing policies and regulatory frameworks that establish national occupational, training, and licensing standards that recognize truck driving as a skilled occupation. Any policy support that enhances productivity will help to mitigate the impact of the lack of available drivers. Table of Contents Executive Summary Chapter 1—Introduction Purpose of the Report Chapter 2—Summary of Truck Driver Population Demographics in Canada Truck Driver Age Compared With Total Labour Force Aging of the Truck Driver Population Truck Driver Formal Education Truck Driver Industry Distribution and Immigrant Status Driver Wages Chapter 3—The Supply and Demand of Truck Drivers Outlook for Supply of Truck Drivers in Canada Outlook for Truck Driver Demand The Driver Supply and Demand Gap Chapter 4—Surveying the Industry and Industry Stakeholders General Results and Observations From Industry Consultations Chapter 5—The Economic Importance of the Trucking Industry Economic Impact Analysis The Benefits of a Healthy Trucking Industry Taken For Granted—Until It’s Taken Away Chapter 6—Conclusion Appendix A—Detailed Economic Footprint Results Appendix B—High and Low Driver Demand Scenarios Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Appendix C—Bibliography

This report quantifies the expected gap between the supply and demand for truck drivers in the for-hire trucking industry and puts this into the context of the economic importance of the industry.

Document Highlights

As a result of aging driver demographics and a growing demand for trucking services, the for-hire trucking industry can expect to face a driver supply and demand gap of nearly 25,000 drivers by 2020 in a business-as-usual scenario. If improvement in labour productivity is lower in the coming years, the gap could exceed 30,000 drivers.

This supply and demand gap will not only affect the trucking industry, but also the ability of its customers to do business and, ultimately, consumers in the prices they pay for goods.

It will be important to convince customers of the need to address the situation now and to work with them to develop strategies that make the best use of drivers’ time. The industry feels that there is an important role for government to play in developing policies and regulatory frameworks that establish national occupational, training, and licensing standards that recognize truck driving as a skilled occupation. Any policy support that enhances productivity will help to mitigate the impact of the lack of available drivers.

Executive Summary

Chapter 1—Introduction