The truck driver shortage is blamed for a lot of the supply chain issues that are currently taking place across the United States. These issues negatively impact manufacturers because they're not always getting the raw materials they need, which in turn slows product deliveries to distributors, and then to cleaning end users. One expert says the truck driver shortage is now causing fuel delivery issues at gas stations, which will further impact deliverability.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, says oil refineries are producing near record amounts of gasoline this summer, reports CNBC. So the problem at the pumps isn't from a lack of fuel being produced, but poor distribution of that gas. He said the issue is especially apparent at the final leg of gasoline's journey from a local terminal to the gas station.
National Tank Truck Carriers reports a shortage of at least 50,000 drivers. According to CNBC, some gas station chains are trying to rectify the situation by offering prospective truck drivers sign-on bonuses ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.