Truck driver shortage could boost consumer prices

FAIRFIELD, Ohio - Fairfield-based Osborne Trucking is so bullish on the economic recovery that the firm bought 28 new trucks and trailers.

“In the past six months we’ve invested roughly $4 million in new equipment,” said Executive Vice-President Brant Osborne.

However, there’s a problem shared by logistics firms throughout Greater Cincinnati and in many parts of the country.
There aren’t enough drivers to get behind the wheel of the shiny red and black rigs.

“The challenge is finding drivers who are qualified to do the job and are interested in working,” said

Osborne’s Transportation Vice-President John Holmes. “We’re looking to hire at least 20 more right now.”

It’s a problem that could mean higher prices for consumer goods as the cost of shipping products increases.

The recession caused many trucking firms to go out of business and many drivers to either retire or seek other occupations.

Now, data from the American Trucking Association (ATA) indicates that the amount of freight that needs to be shipped is up seven percent from May 2009 to May 2010.

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Truck driver shortage could boost consumer prices
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