FreightWaves CEO Craig Fuller calls the truck driver shortage a “myth” in a recent piece of self-promotion, but his assertion collapses under the weight of facts and data. Fuller claims the mythical shortage is an ATA fabrication—a narrative perpetuated for our convenience. Of course, we’re not alone in reporting this issue. Driver shortages are global in scope, with growing vacancies felt across the Americas, Asia, and Europe, and documented in IRU’s 2022 Global Driver Shortage Report: In Europe, driver shortages jumped by 42% from 2020 to 2021, with vacant driver positions reaching 71,000 in Romania, 80,000 in both Poland and Germany, and 100,000 in the UK. In Mexico, shortages rose by 30% to reach 54,000, while in China, they increased by 140%, reaching 1.8 million.

National Average Price for Regular Unleaded Current: $3.859; Month Ago: $3.854; Year Ago: $3.684. National Average Price for Diesel Current: $4.582; Month Ago: $4.349; Year Ago: $4.919.

Earlier this month we lost a paper industry legend and a dear friend to many.  This is a close-knit business we find ourselves in and the relationships we build stand the test of time.  And so, it was with Tom Gallagher. Affectionately known as Moose to his friends, Tom was born in Portsmouth, Ohio in 1947. He left us on July 5 at the age of 77.  He lived his live to the fullest and those who knew him can attest to that.  Tom attended the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated from The Ohio State University in 1977.  He remained a lifelong and loyal Buckeye.  Many of us got to know Tom as the sales leader at MEAD during the 80’s and 90’s where he spent a majority of his career.  After retiring from Mead Westvaco in 2003 he was recruited to work for the  West Linn Paper Company and subsequently finished his paper career at Port Hawkesbury.   Tom was larger than life in so many ways.  He filled a room with laughter and energy.  You would not find a more loyal friend and partner.  But you did not want to test his Irish temper.  He encountered physical challenges later in life and it never got him down.  His spirit prevailed and he was always ready for the call.  As the Irish say, “his likes will not be seen again”.  And so, we leave him to the rest of his journey and cherish the memories he created with us. Tom had 4 children and 9 grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Cheryl (Rice) Gallagher.  Safe home Tom Gallagher.