Minnesota trucking industry fears lack of drivers could put strain on logistics

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Minnesota is facing its largest truck driver shortage ever.

The Minnesota Trucking Association says it’s short by more than 5,000 drivers.

The organization says the pipeline of younger people just hasn’t been filling it at the rate it used to. The shortage could start creating a strain on the supply chain.

“I want to assure everyone that things are going to get delivered but they may be slower,” John Hausladen, president of the Minnesota Trucking Association said. “They may take a little bit longer and that’s if we have it. The supply chain issues are things we can’t control. We just move it as fast as we can. So it’s certainly not time to panic, but trucking is essential and we’re under some pressure right now.”

Right now you have to be 21 years old to drive a truck across the country. The trucking industry is starting a new training program that will work with kids coming right out of high school.