Why Truckers Should Care About DEI Dumps
Why Truckers Should Care About DEI Dumps
You might’ve heard about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in trucking, but what happens when companies abandon them? Some call it a DEI Dump—when businesses cut back on DEI efforts or remove them altogether. At first glance, it might not seem like something that affects you as a white truck driver, but here’s why it does—and why you should care.
1. Fewer Drivers, More Pressure on You
Trucking already faces a massive driver shortage. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the industry was short about 80,000 drivers in 2023, and that number could grow to 160,000 by 2031 (ATA Report).
DEI programs help bring in new drivers, including women, younger workers, and people from different backgrounds. If companies dump DEI efforts, fewer people enter trucking, leaving more freight on fewer drivers, meaning longer hours and heavier workloads for you.
2. Higher Risk of Government Interference
If companies fail to recruit and support a diverse workforce, the government may step in with stricter regulations.
For example, California’s Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) dramatically affected independent truckers, making it harder for owner-operators to work freely (California Legislative Information). If companies fail to create fair workplaces, more laws could follow, potentially making it harder for independent drivers to thrive.
3. Stronger Industry = Better Pay for Everyone
DEI programs aren’t just about hiring; they help retain drivers. When turnover is high, companies spend more on training and recruitment instead of paying better wages and benefits.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, turnover rates in large trucking fleets can be as high as 90% annually (BLS Data).
Keeping experienced drivers—regardless of background—leads to better pay, safer conditions, and stronger bargaining power for all truckers.
4. Fewer Legal Headaches for Drivers
DEI programs also help companies prevent discrimination lawsuits.
For example, Swift Transportation settled a $4.85 million lawsuit in 2022 after being accused of racial discrimination in hiring (EEOC Case).
When companies ignore diversity and fairness, lawsuits pile up, creating instability, stricter hiring rules, and unnecessary red tape that slows down the industry.
5. A Divided Workforce is a Weaker Workforce
Big trucking companies love it when drivers are divided because it makes it harder for truckers to stand together for better pay and working conditions.
When drivers focus on fighting each other instead of fighting for fair wages, companies win. Supporting fair policies for all drivers keeps the industry strong and united.
Resources to Follow
- American Trucking Associations (ATA) – Industry reports & driver shortage insights: www.trucking.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Pay, turnover rates, and job outlook: www.bls.gov
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – Regulations & industry safety: www.fmcsa.dot.gov
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – Workplace fairness & discrimination cases: www.eeoc.gov
The Bottom Line
DEI programs help bring in new talent, keep drivers on the road, and prevent unnecessary government interference. Dumping them doesn’t just hurt minorities—it hurts every driver by making trucking less stable, less profitable, and more stressful. Instead of seeing DEI as a threat, truckers should see it for what it is: a way to strengthen the industry for everyone.