The shortage is of qualified drivers, not meaning just exp. Many CDL drivers continue to get tickets, preventable accident which deem them unworthy anymore. There is also the DOT Clearinghouse now taking large portions of drivers out for failed drug tests and alcohol tests( Idiots). In 2020 when it started 80K+ were put in the clearinghouse, no top company will touch these people even if they do the protocol to get back in line. Now if you go into the Clearinghouse they contact the state you live and have your CDL pulled. These nuclear verdicts by juries - your driver hit my car, I want money !! The lawyer now can see the driver was down for say 6 months for the drug test violation and you dare put him on the road ! Then add in the new tougher health standards for DOT med cards and that makes a large number of CDL drivers deemed not hirable or only work at the really bad companies.