The trucking industry is heading toward one of its biggest shifts in decades. According to recent reporting by FreightWaves, the U.S. could soon experience the largest capacity purge in modern freight history, with as many as 600,000 drivers and carriers exiting the market as freight rates remain low and the cost of operating rises.

For most industries, news like this would spark concern.
For new CDL students, it signals opportunity.

At 160 Driving Academy, we train thousands of new drivers every year—and this industry shift is shaping up to be one of the strongest job-market openings we’ve seen in years. Here’s why the moment to get certified is right now.

1. When Capacity Drops, Demand for Qualified Drivers Rises

As smaller fleets shut down or scale back, larger and mid-sized carriers rush to stabilize their staffing. This creates a surge in open positions—but only for drivers who are certified and ready to step in immediately.

Companies are prioritizing:

  • Drivers with professional, school-based training
  • Drivers who can pass safety screenings and DOT requirements
  • Drivers who understand modern compliance and HOS rules

Graduating now means you’ll enter the market exactly when fleets are hiring.

2. Certified Training Gives You an Edge in a Competitive Market

With so many uncertified or under-experienced drivers leaving the industry, carriers are being more selective.

A CDL alone is no longer enough—the quality of your training matters.

160 Driving Academy provides:

  • Class A CDL training taught by experienced instructors
  • Hands-on driving time that exceeds most regional schools
  • Up-to-date safety and compliance instruction
  • Connections to top national carriers hiring new graduates

Our graduates finish not only with a CDL, but with the confidence and professional training employers look for during hiring surges.

3. More Job Openings Expected Across Multiple Sectors

The capacity purge won’t affect just long-haul trucking. It will create openings in:

  • Local delivery
  • Regional freight
  • OTR long-haul
  • Intermodal and port work
  • Specialized freight

As the market stabilizes, companies will prefer fully trained, safety-first drivers. That’s exactly what we prepare you to become.

4. The CDL Job Market Is Still One of the Strongest in the Country

Even during freight downturns, commercial drivers remain essential. The purge is removing excess capacity—not demand.

America will still need to move:

  • Food
  • Medical supplies
  • Consumer goods
  • E-commerce shipments
  • Manufacturing inputs

Drivers who enter the workforce now will be stepping into a field where long-term job security remains high, and career advancement is strong.

5. Start Training Now—Be Ready When Hiring Surges

The best opportunities will go to those who are already certified when fleet hiring accelerates. 160 Driving Academy can help you:

  • Get trained fast
  • Pass your CDL exam with confidence
  • Connect directly with employers who hire new drivers
  • Start earning in a matter of weeks, not months

The Bottom Line

The industry is changing—but change brings opportunity.

As the freight market resets, certified drivers will be in demand more than ever. If you’ve been considering a CDL career, now is the time to act.

160 Driving Academy is ready to train you, support you, and help you step into one of the most stable, high-demand careers in America.

Enroll today and take advantage of the opportunity ahead.