The freight industry has seen an economic boom in the beginning of 2018, and the demand continues to grow. Carriers are struggling to keep up with the freight surge with a lack of drivers and operators needed to transport the loads. This has led to many companies providing hiring incentives for prospective workers.
According to the Wall Street Journal, two of the largest freight railroad carriers are advertising signing bonuses of up to $25,000. BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Corp. both agree that the tight labor market and strong shipping demand make the hiring incentives a necessity. BNSF noted a talent shortage in the industry and therefore plans to extend the incentives to diesel mechanics, electricians and conductor trainees.
In the month of March, the trucking industry added 6,700 new jobs, while the logistics and transportation sector added nearly 9,800, according to Transport Topics.The trucking sector alone created 18,500 new positions in the first quarter of 2018 and was noted as the largest job growth in the industry in the past six years.
This points to large economic opportunities and benefits for people who are interested in freight industry employment. With large incentives, a variety of skill requirements and thousands of jobs available, the freight industry is a gold mine for employment.
For more information about the benefits of freight, check out our services page.