July 8, 2025 – When you look at the demographics of the trucking industry, Gen Z is underrepresented in many roles, including drivers.
Key takeaways:
- The trucking industry faces a labor shortage as baby boomers retire and Gen Z is not filling these roles.
- Lack of awareness about trucking opportunities hinders Gen Z recruitment, making outreach programs and hands-on experiences essential.
- Gen Z values work-life balance, prompting fleets to offer flexible schedules to attract younger drivers.
Labor challenges are nothing new to the trucking industry. Driver and technician shortages get the most attention, but a new workforce shortage is brewing.
The baby boomers, who have dominated trucking for decades, are leaving the industry. But Gen Z isn’t replacing them, creating a next-generation shortage. The good news is there are opportunities for fleets to attract the youngest labor pool, according to Melanie Rittenour, director of human resources for Keller Trucking.