AKRON, Ohio (AP) - A nationwide shortage of truck drivers has specialty schools in Ohio working to help trucking companies fill that need with newly-trained drivers.
The Akron Beacon Journal reports trucking organizations' estimates on the need for drivers over the next couple of years range from 100,000 to 500,000. Industry officials say the aging of the current driver population and increased trucking regulations are among the reasons for the tight market.
Schools say the shortage is forcing companies that typically prefer to hire drivers with one or more years of experience to turn to students. Companies are sending recruiters to schools. Some also reimburse new drivers for tuition, if they agree to stay with the company for a set time period.
(Information in the following story is from: Akron Beacon Journal, http://www.ohio.com )