ATA: Truck Driver Turnover Increases
As more large carriers back out of the long-haul market, more small carriers are filling the gap, said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello.
The driver turnover rate among truckload carriers increased during the 2006 third quarter following improvements during the first and second quarters of the year, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) reports. ATA reported higher annualized driver turnover rates for both large and small truckload carriers during the 2006 third quarter. Large truckload carrier line-haul driver turnover increased to 121 percent from 110 percent in the second quarter. Small truckload carrier turnover, meanwhile, jumped to 114 percent from 100 percent. Large truckload carriers generate at least $30 million in annual revenue. A small carrier earns less than $30 million in annual revenues. Less-than-truckload line-haul driver turnover was 14 percent. Small truckload carrier driver turnover exceeded 100 percent during the last four consecutive quarters for the first time since ATA began collecting driver turnover statistics in 1995. The trucking industry currently is experiencing a shortage of about 20,000 long-haul truck drivers. This figure could reach 111,000 by 2014 if current demographic and market conditions remain, according to ATA.
More Small Fleet

Why Fleet Managers Are Replacing Departmental Vehicles with Shared Motor Pools
Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This white paper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.
Read More →
Boosting Last-Mile Fleet Uptime, Safety, and Value with AI Vehicle Inspections
AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.
Read More →
Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries
There are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Read More →
It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report
What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.
Read More →
Small Fleets, Big Impact: How Independent Drivers Power Wreaths Across America
Check out how small fleets and independent drivers power Wreaths Across America each December and why their impact matters more than ever.
Read More →
VMS Survey Finds 65% of Small Fleet Managers Run Operations Alone
A new VMS survey shows small fleet managers are stretched thin, with most handling operations solo and eager to adopt digital tools for relief.
Read More →
Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night
This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.
Read More →
AI, Access, and Uptime: VMS’s Next Chapter with David Prusinski
VMS’s new Co-CEO, David Prusinski, shares how an AI-first approach will give small fleets and repair shops the tools to compete like big players.
Read More →
Fleet Managers Share Winter Prep Tips: It's Never Too Early!
Three fleets share best practices to prep vehicles for winter and prevent downtime when the cold sets in.
Read More →
Hot Weather Driving Tips for Fleet Drivers
As we head into another potentially extreme summer season, the risks for fleet drivers remain high, from engine strain and tire blowouts to unpredictable traffic patterns. An expert shares advice on how fleet drivers can boost their safety during the steamy summer months.
Read More →
