What is Causing the Truck Driver Shortage? 2021-11-08

Published: Nov. 8, 2021, 5 p.m.

What is Causing the Truck Driver Shortage?

Truckers are the foundation of the US Economy, hauling more than 70 percent of goods coast to coast across American highways. And right now the trucking industry is short by as many as 80,000 drivers. The Takeaway takes a look at the causes and impacts of a truck driver shortage by speaking to long-haul truckers Gretchen Waters and Tierra Allen (also known as The Sassy Trucker on social media), and also Jennifer Smith, a reporter at The Wall Street Journal covering logistics and the supply chain, who spoke to several truck drivers in a report looking at the driver shortage.  

How A 2-Week Hunger Strike By New York City Cab Drivers Lead To Expansive Debt Relief

After campaigning for better debt relief from the city through a 2-week long hunger strike, taxi drivers in New York City were granted a deal that would adjust their loans. We speak with Bhairavi Desai, the president of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, about the agreement that was reached and the challenges that remain for drivers.

Aging While Queer in Puerto Rico

After living in Massachusetts to attend university, Wilfred Labiosa returned to his native Puerto Rico, where he established support services for the LGBTQ community similar to those he discovered in Massachusetts. Queer elders in Puerto Rico face isolation, discrimination, and depression. Wilfred discusses how his organization, Waves Ahead, is working to address these issues.

For transcripts, see individual segment pages.