If the federal government were to provide financial support for training or subsidize training courses to help us quickly create a pool of ready-to-hire workers, we certainly wouldn't be opposed to it.
It goes further than that, however. The trucking industry is unique, and the work isn't for everyone. Companies are beginning to adapt to the young people looking to join the industry by offering them accommodations, such as sending them on the road for less than two weeks at a time—two or three days, for instance. Wages are also starting to go up.
Some clients don't even ask carriers the rate they charge. Instead, they want to know whether the carrier has drivers available to transport their goods. They aren't even trying to negotiate the rate. The rate will be whatever it will be. What they really care about is whether the carrier has drivers available. That's where things stand right now. This is unprecedented in the industry.
Product costs will go up significantly if the industry isn't able to hire enough drivers.