The trucking industry enters 2025 facing one of its most persistent challenges and that challenge is the ongoing shortage of qualified drivers. The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), reports that the supply of new drivers remains a top concern for fleets across the country. ATRI publishes its annual Top Industry Issues report on its official website and the driver shortage continues to appear as one of the most influential factors shaping the year ahead.
Carriers expect rising freight volumes and many experienced drivers are approaching retirement. At the same time, new safety and compliance expectations are creating stronger requirements for CDL training programs. These conditions are pushing more students to enroll in CDL schools. While this increase is a positive sign for the long term health of the industry, it also brings new pressure on schools that must balance larger class sizes with consistent and high quality training.
Managing a higher volume of students creates daily challenges for instructors and administrators. They must track behind the wheel hours, yard practice, classroom attendance, and every required skill or maneuver. When programs rely on manual paperwork, the risk of errors grows with each new student. Missing documentation can affect a student’s ability to qualify for testing, and inconsistent instruction can create safety gaps once graduates enter the workforce. These problems become more visible as training groups expand.
Carriers today want graduates who arrive with clear and verified training histories. They want to see well documented progress and evidence that every student learned required skills in a structured and consistent way. Schools that cannot easily provide this information may struggle to meet the expectations of employers, partners, and regulators. Training quality and documentation are now critical elements of a school’s reputation and competitiveness.
This is where digital tools can support growing CDL programs. TruckDrivers PRO gives instructors and administrators a simple way to stay organized even when student numbers increase. Progress can be captured in real time, which reduces misunderstandings and improves clarity throughout the program. Administrators gain immediate insight into student performance and can identify missing records before they become larger issues. This level of visibility helps schools improve both training quality and compliance.
The driver shortage will continue to influence the trucking industry throughout 2025. More students will continue to enter CDL programs, but the industry will also expect stronger training, better documentation, and a clear commitment to safety. Schools that adopt organized and transparent training processes will be better prepared to handle these expectations. With the support of TruckDrivers PRO, every student receives well structured and well documented instruction that prepares them for a successful career in trucking.
Driver shortage in 2025 and Why CDL training quality matters for schools
