Special Report: Running on Empty

The nation is in need of truck drivers. A lot of them.

According to the American Trucking Associations, tens of thousands of professional drivers are needed in the United States to go along with the 3.5 million people who already occupy the driver’s seat.

Anthony Berta, a controller with Bowling Green based BHF Express, says the rise of e-commerce is a contributing factor to the demand.

"It used to be said that you went to the mall and you shipped your own goods to your house. That’s not the case anymore. I know I certainly wear out Amazon," said Berta.

The driver shortage has led to not only delivery delays, but higher prices at online checkout.

Many trucking companies are offering signing bonuses and pay raises, while some drivers even make six figures, however, companies are still finding it difficult to lure in drivers.

"They deserve to be rewarded for spending so much time away from their families and I think generations like myself never really considered jumping into a truck because of the quality of life.

For 15 years, Lisa Ingham has been a professional driver, and it’s starting to take a toll.

"I have no life. I don’t have a lot of friends. It’s really not healthy and everything is fast food," said Ingham.

Ingham understands why people aren’t interested in jumping on board.

"If you’re married, you’re probably not going to see your wife or whoever it is your with unless they come out on the truck with you," said Ingham.

Yet, some drivers like 17-year trucking veteran, Richard Hunt, say they love life on the road.

"It’s relaxing if you’re a person like me. I love to drive. I always have. It feels like a freedom. You just get out there and you get paid for it," said Hunt. 

Money can’t buy happiness, which seems to be a driving force as to why many won’t buckle up in an 18-wheeler.