Re:The perpetual truck driver shortage is not real
by JumpCrisscross on Wednesday September 06, 2023 @10:05AM
(#37405354)
> What is the goal?
Smooth logistics. When Congress intervenes, it’s to alleviate supply-chain snarls.
> If being an owner operator is a good business, then a lender will do the proper underwriting and extend a loan
Why do you pre-suppose a functioning lending market for independent truck drivers? A 50% increase in owner-operators could easily saturate what used to be a cottage financing industry before being noticed.
The core point is we tend to think of truckers as employees from a distance. That shapes our policy responses, e.g. knee-jerk assuming the problem is pay or working conditions. It’s not just that because many truckers aren’t simple employees.
Smooth logistics. When Congress intervenes, it’s to alleviate supply-chain snarls.
> If being an owner operator is a good business, then a lender will do the proper underwriting and extend a loan
Why do you pre-suppose a functioning lending market for independent truck drivers? A 50% increase in owner-operators could easily saturate what used to be a cottage financing industry before being noticed.
The core point is we tend to think of truckers as employees from a distance. That shapes our policy responses, e.g. knee-jerk assuming the problem is pay or working conditions. It’s not just that because many truckers aren’t simple employees.