Not only are logistics professionals struggling with the ongoing driver shortage, but they are also dealing with an ageing workforce, as recent Tech.co data reveals. The industry could therefore turn to Gen Z – who are struggling to find work, in order to fill gaps behind the wheel.
The profession holds a lot of benefits for the generation, including giving them the opportunity to travel, use technology, and contribute to a purposeful and steady career path.
On top of increasing driver benefits and improving work-life balance for drivers, the logistics industry has employed a range of strategies to combat the shortage.
Why Trucking’s Ageing Workforce Needs Gen Z Drivers
According to Tech.co’s 2025 logistics report, Moving Goods With Fewer Hands, the trucking industry is currently dealing with a severe driver shortage. Not only have 63% of US freight businesses said driver recruitment and retention has stagnated or worsened in the past year, but a quarter say an ageing workforce is their biggest hiring challenge.
On the other hand, data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 2.5 million Gen Z were unemployed in July, and 1.8 million were looking for full time work.
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The driver shortage could therefore pose a great opportunity for Gen Z, as they take up roles as truck drivers that the industry is sorely lacking.
“There’s a real opportunity here to connect an industry in urgent need of new talent with a generation looking for meaningful, stable work. Trucking offers Gen Z more than just a job; it offers purpose, growth, and a real chance to shape the future of logistics.” Bianca Prieto, Editor of The Inside Lane trucking newsletter
Benefits of a Trucking Career for Gen Z
Not only would Gen Z contribute to minimizing the logistics driver shortage, but there are plenty of benefits on offer for young people joining the profession.
Travel opportunities
For Gen Z looking to travel and see the world, the trucking profession presents a great opportunity to take new journeys and see new places. In a recent webinar hosted by The Inside Lane newsletter, Lindsey Trent, President of Next Gen Trucking Association, said: “Gen Z wants to make a difference, use technology, and explore the world. Trucking checks all those boxes – we just have to tell that story better.”
Tech use
Technology is already a big part of many Gen Z lives, and being involved with the logistics industry will mean they’ll be able to use tech such as fleet management and route optimization software. Similarly, they may find working with technology more appealing than older generations who may be less tech-literate.
Trent also said: “Younger generations have tech as standard, and it has to be used to give them more of a voice – which should be encouraged by companies too.”
Purposeful and stable career
Our latest data shows that 91% of respondents agree that America’s economy depends on fast, affordable, reliable freight movement. Truck drivers are therefore critical in maintaining the US economy, and will certainly be needed in the future as freight demand increases. In fact, our data shows that 63% of freight professionals have reported an increase in demand over the past year.
Trucking is therefore a good, stable career path for Gen Z. Likewise, Trent added that Gen Z “want to do work that matters, and they value experiences. Trucking offers that in spades. We just have to reach them early – in high schools, trade programs, and even on social media.”
How Are Trucking Companies Attracting New Talent?
According to our logistics report, increasing driver compensation and improving work-life balance (56%) are the most popular tactics being used by professionals to combat driver shortages.
Businesses are also taking on other strategies, too. This includes providing better training and development opportunities (44%), enhancing recruitment efforts (43%), and improving company culture (27%).
Ultimately, it doesn’t seem like the problem is going anywhere anytime soon. On top of tariff losses and the driver shortage, this will certainly be a defining year for the resilience of the logistics industry.
