Trucking And A Recession

I've been reading about the recent stock market plunge and warnings that a recession is imminent. If it happens and we go into a serious recession, how will that affect the trucking industry and truck drivers? Who gets laid off first? I've lived through at least two recessions when I was in construction, and I have bad memories of the financial difficulties they brought to my colleagues and myself. Personally, I've already gone into austerity mode in case a recession comes. I am newly hired as a rookie driver with Schneider and I worry that I will be one of the first to go if layoffs happen. Call me paranoid, but don't call me late for dinner.

Trucking feels little effect from recessions. The smaller independent operators feel it the worst as the big players start being willing to cut rates. You won't see big layoffs. People still need consumable goods even during desperate times.

I went through a real slow-down as a flatbedder. Everyone was saying it was going to be bad because construction would drop off. I never noticed any difference and the only drivers I knew of who lost their jobs had either quit or lost it due to their own issues. Driver demand will stay strong during a recession, but you must remember that demand is for people who do well at this career. The demand is not for people who just think they want to give it a try.

Trucking is arguably one of the least effected professions by a recession.

Think about it for a moment...is there anything that doesn’t move by truck?

Granted, under performing driver’s will likely get passed-over during an economic slowdown, but the better drivers will have a job. Focus on being the best, striving for excellence and back-burner the concern of a lay-off.

Enjoy your Christmas.

I drive reefer. everyone needs to eat.

3 industries not affectes by recessiosn...trucking, alcohol and sex industry. think about it

I agree that in general trucking is recession proof, the one side that is affected the most though is flatbed if construction slows way down.

I agree that in general trucking is recession proof, the one side that is affected the most though is flatbed if construction slows way down.

Flatbed? Refer to what Old School wrote.

Hey, thanks for the reassurement. Those comments were good to hear.

Also, to Old School, G-Town and Rainy: Thanks for all the great things I learned from you and your fellow experienced drivers this past year

Merry Christmas!

Thing I’ll never hear in my lifetime, “we’ve got plenty of good drivers, stop hiring.”

😎

I agree that in general trucking is recession proof, the one side that is affected the most though is flatbed if construction slows way down.

Flatbed? Refer to what Old School wrote.

I read what he wrote already, but I just meant to imply that it is affected more than general frieght due to the fact that a lot of flatbed frieght is construction related, I could be wrong I guess

I never missed a beat all through the mess of 2008 and 2009. maybe if you only haul car or high end furniture... otherwise the groceries still need to move