A new survey conducted by CK Commercial Vehicle Research (CKCVR), revealed that the driver shortage is prevalent concern among fleet operators, which will impact future new vehicle purchases.
According to the Q2 2014 Fleet Sentiment report by CKCVR, a most fleets reported that their struggles to recruit and retain drivers is affecting their ability to grow and add equipment. A majority (55%) indicated driver availability is the factor that most impacted their equipment purchases – outside of normal business conditions and freight demand.
Hours of Service, along with other pending regulations, is also having an effect on driver supply.
The survey also found that just 2 percent of the planned power units to be ordered were designated for added capacity.
Other results from the survey reflect a tight capacity situation with high utilization, virtually no trucks parked for lack of work, and an overall positive view of business conditions.