KSFY News - Sioux Falls, SD News, Weather, SportsTruck driver reacts to driver shortage

Truck driver reacts to driver shortage

Richard Mueller is one of millions of truck drivers on the road to make a living. In his truck, he carries everything from grocery products to auto and tractor supplies.

He doesn't like the thought of fewer drivers doing what he does.

"When you have less drivers coming in and more going out, it's a bad thing but you have to be trained right," Richard Mueller said.

And training safe, qualified drivers is what teachers do at Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls.

"We train people to take and pass the required driving test in order to get a commercial license," Lon Hird said.

Lon Hird heads up the training and says this shortage isn't good for the industry or the economy. Everything we use, or buy -- at some point -- has probably been moved on a truck.

"If retailers don't get their product, their business suffers. If retail business suffers, that affects products at the retail level," Lon Hird said.

And that could affect everyone. Richard really enjoys what he does but says it's not a lifestyle for everyone.

"Some people like it, enjoy it, and do it but others can't take being on the road all the time," Mueller said.

The shortage doesn't really include truckers who drive locally and regionally. It's more those truckers who have to drive long distances -- like east coast to west. Lon says no matter where you live, the need is there and so are the jobs.