Shortage of truckers due to Oil and gas boom

CLARKSBURG — A report by Adam Tobias  of the exponet telegram

For some time, there has been a nationwide shortage of truck operators with commercial driver’s licenses, and West Virginia is no different, experts say.

And the problem is only expected to escalate, according to Janet Vineyard, president of the West Virginia Trucking Association.

Compounding the matter in the Mountain State is the boom in Marcellus Shale and natural gas drilling operations.

Because of that growth, many other industries are having a difficult time recruiting and retaining qualified drivers.

“It’s absolutely an issue for us,” state Department of Transportation spokesman Brent Walker said.

Walker believes that pay is one of the most significant factors.

“It’s no secret that these guys are being able to go out there and make a considerable amount more than here,” Walker added. “That’s just a function of state government.”

But the DOT is not alone.