KIMT News Three's Evan Berg spoke with Eagle Transport on its thoughts on the new study.
ROCHESTER, Minn.- The State of Minnesota is several months into a multi-part survey to address truck driver shortages amidst rising delivery demand.
Eric Kilen, manager at Eagle Transport Services says that while his company of 30 drivers, isn't personally feeling the strain of the shortage, he's happy to see the state addressing the need.
"It might not be the sexiest occupation out there, so people might not think of it right away and that somewhat is an image problem the industry has had for a time, but it's a great way to make a living and good living," Kilen said.
The survey is a joint effort between the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety.
It seeks to talk with industry stakeholders about several aspects of the career to attempt to find ways to make it more appealing to young professionals including licensing, training, compensation and retention.
In his own experience Kilen says he hasn't seen many obstacles to the career path, with certification and training being straight forward for most of his drivers.
With new technology in the field like lane assistance, truck cameras and automatic brakes, Kilen says he thinks the industry is actually more accessible to young professionals than ever before.
But with many professional long haulers suffering from the shortage he does agree there is a need.
As part of the survey MnDOT and Public Safety have been holding public monthly meetings with industry stakeholders to discuss specific issues around recruitment.
The next of these meetings is scheduled for Nov. 7 is open to the public to attend at MnDOT's Transportation Building in St. Paul or online via Microsoft Teams.