Why did job openings for train drivers go down 2 percent while openings for truck drivers went up 13 percent?

Question

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Answer 1

There are a couple of reasons, in addition to those valid ones above, the first of which is "just in time inventory".  There was a time when merchandise was transported by rail, then warehoused until needed, then distributed by truck.  Now, retailers don't want or need the added expense of warehousing and distribution, so, they make use of trucks, on highway or rail, to have needed products delivered when needed, or, just in time.  So, the need for more truck drivers is always on the rise.

Railroads, on the other hand, are primarily transporters of bulk commodities, such as coal, grain, steel, lumber, liquids, etc.  There is a term on the railroad, known as a "shut down car".  This a car that if not spotted on time for unloading, the plant or factory will have to shut down without it.  Obviously high priority.

Another factor is the hiring - retirement cycle, which is a direct legacy of WWII.  From '41 through to the end of the war, railroads did a lot of hiring, both for the war effort and the post-war economic boom that followed.  Most have a working life of thirty to thirty five years, so about that time most seniority rosters turn over at the changing of the guard.  In my area, UP has done a lot of hiring over the last two years, and probably will for the next two years.  I would expect the same for other carriers.

If one is considering railroad employment, now is the time to be knocking on the door, as we are nearing the end of the cycle.

Answer 2

It is obvious that there are more trucking companies that need drivers than rail companies that need motorpeople.

Boaz.

Answer 3

On the face of it, because more items are going by truck. Hence the demand for more truckers, less for train operators.

Answer 4

I don't know about railroads being down at all - we are hiring around here, and haven't furloughed anyone in ages.  A large majority of railroaders working today will retire in the next 10 years - it will be a whole new company to work for soon.  The training time for engineers can be 5 years or more (you work your way up from conductor), so they have to hire well in advance to make sure that demand for engineers is met.

Answer 5

Mainly because rail has become more efficient over the past decade. Also the new generation locomotives are getting more power to the rails and can haul longer trains than locomotives made 20 - 30 years ago.

Answer 6

because more and more they are automated as opposed to trucks that cannot be