Driver shortage was 50,000 over 2 years ago - it is closer to 100,000 now and growing. Average driver age is 60 - No one in their 20’s is even thinking about being a truck driver.
You are correct....this shortage has been going on for a number of years. Pay scale is one problem....the days required for the long-haul guy is another.
I talked to a guy last year who had hazardous-materials certifications and was making a significant amount of money, with a contract that said a max of six consecutive days on the road.
Bring in 100,000 more illegals to do the jobs Americans refuse.