Tyler, TX — The demand for truck drivers is still a major concern nationwide.

The American Trucking Research Institute reports, the truck driver shortage placed fourth on the list of top industry concerns.

KETK spoke to Roger Gerick, Owner of Beach Associates Trucking Co. about the shortage.

"It's really important to fill these jobs because the lack of drivers means that the customer, the shippers are paying a premium to get the products delivered and you and I are paying that every day."

According to the report, many truck drivers aren't meeting the Department of Transportation requirements. The problem is people are not passing the physical examinations and driving record. Regulations and requirements keep changing.

"Any kind of criminal record, almost all trucking companies require that drivers be bonded," says Roger Gerick, Owner of Beach Associates Trucking Co.

Truck drivers tell KETK, it's hard to be on the road for a long time.

It's important to fill trucking positions, the job openings are there, people just need to apply.

"They're making good money...but they're not home a lot," says Roger Gerick, Owner of Beach Associates Trucking Co.

Many companies seek to make changes to offer benefits, wellness programs for health, better pay, focusing on more sick time and retirement, so more drivers will get on the road.

"Trucking is the last American frontier, and it's just not a whole lot of people that are willing to saddle up a truck and stay home for 4-5 weeks at a time, it's too lonely on that range for them," says Roger Gerick, Owner of Beach Associates Trucking Co.