Kankakee, Illinois — At the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association’s annual convention on January 19, leaders noted a slight easing in the nation’s truck driver shortage, though the industry remains tight. The meeting highlighted that while the American Trucking Association reported a 78,000‑driver shortfall last year, the gap has narrowed by about 2,000 from the peak seen a year earlier.

The shortage has ripple effects across every leg of the supply chain, from farm equipment to finished goods. With a shrinking pool of experienced drivers, trucking companies face higher operating costs and tighter delivery windows. The sector’s focus, according to GROWMARK’s Kirby Wagner, has shifted to building a sustainable workforce amid a still‑tight supply chain.

Wagner, who heads GROWMARK’s government relations, explained that retirements and overworked crews have pushed many drivers back onto the road, but the overall demand for seasoned motorists is climbing again. The American Trucking Association’s tonnage index, which tracks freight volume, fell in recent months, reflecting a dip in freight demand and a slowdown in the housing‑related goods market. Housing shipments, in particular, saw a decline in November after a dip in October, echoing the broader economic slowdown. In the agricultural sector, GROWMARK and the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association are collaborating on expanded training programs and regulatory adjustments. One proposal would extend Class B licenses to allow transport of up to 3,000 pounds of farm products other than liquid fertilizer, broadening the types of goods drivers can haul.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL‑A holders and owner‑operators, the tightening labor market translates into higher wages and more stable routes. BNSF Railway’s Peter Skosey announced a new labor agreement that grants workers a 24 % pay raise and sign‑on bonuses that can reach $25,000 for conductors and engineers. Skosey also clarified that while BNSF does not offer a traditional paid sick leave program, employees receive 27 to 33 days of paid time off annually and long‑term sick leave. The agreement is expected to reduce rail service disruptions, a benefit that spills over to trucking partners who rely on rail for intermodal shipments. BNSF’s annual investment of more than $3 billion in network maintenance has already cut disruptions by 30 % over the past decade, improving overall freight reliability.

Industry Reaction

Carriers across the Midwest have welcomed the new training and wage initiatives, noting that a more robust driver pipeline will ease congestion at key ports and reduce back‑hauls. Owner‑operators, in particular, have expressed optimism that the expanded Class B license options will open new niches in the farm‑to‑table supply chain. Meanwhile, trucking associations emphasize the need for continued collaboration with rail and intermodal partners to keep freight moving efficiently.

Key Points

• American Trucking Association reports a 78,000‑driver shortfall, down 2,000 from last year’s peak.
• BNSF Railway’s new labor deal includes a 24 % wage increase and $25,000 sign‑on bonuses for conductors and engineers.
• GROWMARK and IFCA propose extending Class B licenses to cover up to 3,000 pounds of non‑liquid farm products.
• BNSF’s annual $3 billion network investment has cut rail service disruptions by 30 % over the past decade.

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