CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Trucking Association will be launching a new career website next month due to the shortage of truck drivers in the state.
“There is a huge need,” said WVTA Executive Director Jan Vineyard. “If you look at the statistics in the next two or three years, because of retirements and aging, the need even gets greater.”
Vineyard said the need is so great that they decided to start a new platform where a person can apply for a job posted online for any type of trucking job after their truck training Melbourne.
The website www.truckingjobswv.com will be available to the public Oct. 1.
“It doesn’t have to be just a truck driver, but anything in the logistics area, so that’s how big the need is. We’re gearing up for this big loss of drivers,” she said.
On Monday, WVTA was honored at the U.S. Capitol National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Congressman Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) were on hand to recognize the state’s professional truck drivers.
Capito presented drivers with a flag that had been flown over the U.S. capitol in their honor. Jenkins presented a letter, signed by all three members of the state’s U.S. House of Representatives delegation, to express support and appreciation.
“They (drivers) deliver our good and services every day,” Vineyard said. “I like to say without trucks, West Virginia stops.”
Vineyard says there are over 34,000 trucking professionals in West Virginia.