Addressing Oregon’s Truck Driver Shortage Through Strategic Investments

The “Driving Prosperity” initiative, spearheaded by Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board and supported by Lane Workforce Partnership and Rogue Workforce Partnership, has achieved remarkable success in strengthening the local workforce. This collaborative effort has enabled over 375 Oregonians to obtain Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs), significantly enhancing their employment prospects and directly addressing the pressing needs of the transportation sector.

Funded by a generous $3.4 million grant from the Economic Development Administration’s Good Jobs Challenge, this program is a key component of the American Rescue Plan. It aims to rejuvenate essential workforce sectors, ensuring that they continue to thrive and support the broader economic landscape. The “Driving Prosperity” initiative not only boosts local employment but also fortifies the infrastructure critical to sustaining economic growth and efficiency in Oregon.

“Here in Tyree Oil, for instance, 10 percent of our workforce by this June will be represented through the Good Jobs grant. That’s pretty significant from a CDL driving perspective,” said Billy Dover, Director of Operations Lubricant for Tyree Oil.

The training program spanned approximately four weeks, during which participants receive comprehensive education and practical driving experience, culminating in the acquisition of a CDL. This certification opens numerous opportunities across various sectors, significantly enhancing job quality, mobility, and stability. Graduates of the program have quickly found employment, with some securing positions that offer competitive wages—up to $80,000 annually—along with substantial benefits including paid leave, retirement plans, and comprehensive health coverage.

In Oregon, the demand for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers remains robust, as evidenced by the Oregon Employment Department’s 2022 data showing a total statewide workforce of 25,483 employed in the field. The median hourly wage for these drivers stands at a competitive $27.50. With an annual job opening rate of 2,983 positions and an anticipated growth of 8.70% over the next decade, the sector is set to expand significantly.

Lane County, underscores this demand, requiring over 200 new CDLs each year to meet its transportation driver’s demand. This ongoing necessity for qualified truck drivers showcases the importance of continuous training and recruitment needs across the sector.

The success of the Driving Prosperity initiative extends beyond individual employment. It contributes to the strategic development of Oregon’s workforce by aligning training with industry needs, facilitating a better understanding of recruitment and retention practices, and enhancing the overall skill set of the workforce. The program not only fills immediate employment gaps but also fosters long-term economic stability and growth, reflecting a significant investment in Oregon’s economic and community development.

Footnote: Learn more about the Driving Prosperity Initiative at oregonworkforcepartnership.org/driving-prosperity/.