YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO – A study predicted it, companies expected it and now it’s happening: A steep decline in people looking to become truck drivers is occurring nationwide and is being felt in the Mahoning Valley, according to the Web site www.vindy.com.

The American Trucking Association (ATA) and Global Insight say there’s a national shortage of more than 20,000 truck drivers. According to the study, the shortage is expected increase to 111,000 by 2014 as the “Baby Boom” drivers prepare to retire.

This statistic has trucking companies scrambling to find new drivers.

“We have such a demand right now. We have recruiters from many of the carriers looking around. They’re always in here,” said Jim Catheline, admissions director of the New Castle School of Trades in Pulaski, Pa.

Trucking companies and the ATA study are quick to point out that a truck driver shortage isn’t new, and it doesn’t affect all truck drivers, according to the Web site www.vindy.com.

According to the ATA, the economic boom of the late 1990s caused a shortage of long-haul drivers as companies struggled to keep them while giving them so much work. A 2000 to 2001 recession put the shortage on delay only for it to return in 2004 with a strengthening economy.

Clayton Boyce, ATA vice president of public affairs, said the shortage is mainly for long-haul drivers, not truck drivers that get home every night.

Currently, Boyce said, the shortage has received short-term help.

“We are in a bit of a [freight] slump right now,” he said, “The decline is because of the slowdown in the economy. So it will provide a temporary effect to ease the shortage.” Boyce said he expects the economy to bounce back and the shortage to return.

Due to rigorous tests, finding a good truck driver is difficult.