The American Trucking Associations projects the U.S. truck driver shortage will exceed 80,000 in 2026 as veteran drivers retire faster than new CDL holders enter the workforce. Carriers are offering $50,000 to $82,000 starting pay with sign-on bonuses and tuition reimbursement — conditions that directly pressure towing companies competing for the same labor pool.
Operator takeaway
Benchmark your driver pay against the $50K-$82K range trucking companies are offering — if you're below that, you're losing CDL candidates before they even apply.