Truck driver turnover rates at large and small truckload fleets fell in the second quarter of this year, but rose for less-than-truckload carriers, according the American Trucking Associations.
The cause, according to the ATA, is what it called “the continued choppiness in the freight economy.”
Truckload fleets with more than $30 million in annual revenue fell six points to 83 percent in the second quarter – the lowest point since the second quarter of 2011. The turnover rate at smaller truckload fleets fell nine points to 79 percent, its lowest point since the third quarter of 2015.At less-than-truckload carriers, the turnover rate increased by four points to 12 percent.
“The continued decline in the turnover rate reflects the continued choppiness in the freight economy,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “As we hopefully approach the end of this period of elevated inventories later this year, freight demand will pick back up leading to increased demand for drivers and higher turnover rates in the future.
“Though the turnover rate continues to fall at truckload carriers, finding enough qualified drivers remains a concern for many carriers.”
