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Open Access Publications from the University of California

Scholarly Works (2 results)

  • Article
Recent Work (2023)
This report is the first in-depth look at the labor market for agricultural truck drivers in California and the first study of this workforce anywhere in the U.S. in almost 30 years. It found that better efforts in recruiting and training drivers would ease turnover and improve job satisfaction, particularly for agricultural trucking, which is critical to California’s economy but can often be seasonal or require specialized equipment.
    Cover page: Ensuring the Supply of Agricultural Truck Drivers: What the State of California Can Do
    • Thesis
    • Peer Reviewed
    UC Davis Electronic Theses and Dissertations (2023)

    This dissertation explores the trucking industry and the experiences of truck drivers.Specifically, it investigates the current discourse surrounding the truck driver shortage and the reasons why drivers continue to work long hours and endure challenging working conditions. Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative research methods, the study analyzes industry data, conducts surveys and interviews with drivers, and examines existing literature and policy documents.

    The research findings suggest that the truck driver shortage is not solely due to a lack ofqualified drivers, but rather is a result of various systemic issues within the industry, such as low pay, long working hours, and poor working conditions. Furthermore, the study reveals that truck drivers continue to work under such conditions due to financial necessity and a lack of alternative job opportunities.

    Overall, this dissertation provides a comprehensive analysis of the trucking industry andthe experiences of its workers. It sheds light on the underlying factors contributing to the truck driver shortage and the reasons why drivers work as hard as they do. The study also offers insights into potential solutions for addressing these issues, including policy reforms and improved working conditions. The findings contribute to the broader literature on labor and employment in the transportation sector and have practical implications for policymakers, industry leaders, and workers alike.

      Cover page: A Long Day’s Work: The Trucking Industry and the Drivers Who Keep It Moving
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