Truck Driver Shortage: More Than a Supply Chain Problem
Texans stuck behind 18-wheelers on I-635 or weaving through traffic on I-45 during rush hour know the tension of sharing the road with massive rigs.
But what many don’t realize is that a growing shortage of qualified truck drivers isn’t just delaying deliveries—it’s putting lives at risk. At Angel Reyes & Associates, we’ve seen firsthand how overworked and undertrained drivers contribute to devastating crashes across Texas highways.
Key Takeaways:
- The Texas truck driver shortage is forcing risky decisions—unqualified and exhausted drivers are sharing our roads.
- The truck driver shortage crisis increases car crash risks, especially on high-traffic corridors like I-35 and I-20.
- If you suspect a trucking company cut corners after your accident, Angel Reyes & Associates can investigate and fight for your rights.
What’s Causing the Truck Driver Shortage in Texas?
The truck driver shortage isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous. Several factors are contributing to this growing crisis across the state:
An aging workforce means seasoned drivers are retiring faster than they’re being replaced. Federal licensing regulations are stricter, which limits how quickly new drivers can enter the workforce. Industries like oil, construction, and retail are booming, which increases the need for freight movement. The pandemic only made things worse—many CDL schools shut down or scaled back operations, delaying training. And poor working conditions are driving high turnover rates.
This imbalance has created more than just longer delivery times—it’s created serious gaps in road safety.
How Does the Shortage Affect Truck Driver Behavior and Crash Risk?
The consequences of this truck driver shortage are felt daily across Texas highways. From late-night shifts on I-35 to morning deliveries near downtown Dallas, the shortage leads to unsafe decisions.
Overworked Truck Drivers and FMCSA Hours of Service (HOS) Violations
Many truck drivers are pushed past legal working hours to meet tight delivery windows. That kind of pressure often results in fatigue, one of the leading causes of truck-related accidents. Federal rules limit truckers to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour window, but we’ve reviewed many cases where those rules were ignored or manipulated.
Electronic logs can be falsified, rest breaks skipped, and long shifts pushed without oversight—all to move shipments on time.
Inexperienced and Poorly Trained Drivers on the Road
With so few experienced drivers available, some trucking companies are fast-tracking hires. When a new driver is handed the keys to an 80,000-pound rig without proper training, the risks multiply. We’ve seen cases across DFW involving recent CDL graduates who weren’t ready to handle pressure, bad weather, or emergency braking scenarios.
The result? More collisions, more injuries, and more victims left wondering what went wrong.
Are Trucking Companies Cutting Corners to Cope With the Shortage?
Unfortunately, the answer is often yes. When companies feel the heat to meet demand, some take shortcuts that put profit over people.
Unsafe Practices That Signal Deeper Problems
We’ve encountered trucking companies that:
- Hired drivers with known violations or criminal records
- Skipped or delayed maintenance on critical vehicle systems
- Ignored ongoing training or failed to monitor hours-of-service compliance
If a company regularly outsources freight to unvetted subcontractors or racks up FMCSA violations, it’s often a sign that safety isn’t the priority.
Why These Practices Can Lead to Legal Accountability
Texas law allows truck accident victims to hold companies liable, not just the individual driver, if certain conditions are met. That includes:
- Negligent Hiring: Failing to verify the driver’s background or training
- Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor HOS logs or enforce company policies
- Vicarious Liability: Holding the company accountable for the driver’s actions while on duty
If you suspect that any of these factors played a role in your crash, our team at Angel Reyes & Associates can investigate and build a case that reflects the full scope of responsibility.
Related Resource: How Trucking Companies May Be Liable After a Texas Accident
What Are Your Legal Options After a Truck Crash in Texas?
If your truck crash involved a fatigued or inexperienced truck driver, you deserve answers—and options. Angel Reyes & Associates has spent over 30 years investigating crashes across Texas highways and holding trucking companies accountable.
What Your Truck Accident Attorney Will Investigate
We dig into driver logs, maintenance records, dashcam footage, and employment files to determine whether negligence occurred. Witness accounts and black box data often provide crucial evidence that a trucking company failed its legal duty.
How to Protect Your Claim
Here’s what you can do now:
Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Keep all your documents, including medical bills, the police report, and any photos from the crash scene. And don’t wait—contact an experienced attorney before evidence disappears.
Think an unsafe trucking practice caused your crash? Talk to our legal team today.
Truck Driver Shortage FAQs
How does the truck driver shortage affect road safety in Texas?
The shortage increases the number of overworked and undertrained truck drivers on highways. This raises the risk of accidents, especially on high-traffic roads like I-20, I-35, and the LBJ Freeway. Fatigue, poor judgment, and skipped safety steps are common results.
Can a trucking company be held responsible if the driver caused the crash?
Yes, a trucking company can be held responsible if the driver caused the truck accident. Under Texas law, companies can be held liable if they hired an unqualified driver, failed to supervise their employees, or allowed unsafe practices. This includes negligent hiring and vicarious liability.
What if the truck driver was tired or overworked?
Federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules exist to prevent this, but they’re not always followed. If a driver exceeded their legal limits or falsified logs, this can support a claim for negligence against the driver and their employer.
Do I need a lawyer if I was in a truck accident caused by an inexperienced driver?
Yes, you need a truck accident lawyer if you were in a truck accident caused by an inexperienced driver. Truck accident claims often involve complex investigations, multiple parties, and corporate defense teams. An experienced truck accident attorney can gather evidence, prove liability, and help maximize your compensation.
Is there a deadline to file a truck accident lawsuit in Texas?
Yes. In most cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. However, evidence can disappear quickly, so it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Conclusion: A Crisis on Our Roads—And a Legal Path Forward
The truck driver shortage has become a hidden danger on Texas roads. It’s a complex issue, but when companies ignore training, safety, or legal limits in the name of meeting deadlines, they endanger every driver around them.
If you or a loved one has been hurt, Angel Reyes & Associates is here to help. We’ve spent decades standing up to negligent companies and fighting for Texans when it matters most.
