--- title: How to Manage Transportation Shortages description: Ongoing capacity problems are not only expected to remain but will also become worse due to truck driver shortages, here is how your company can combat it. image: https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/hubfs/iStock-1156528620.jpg --- [Skip to Content](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog/how-to-manage-transportation-shortages#body) **[InSite Login](https://insite.bradford-bigelow.com/PortalSite/) *•* [Customer Portal](http://portal.bradford-bigelow.com/) *•* [Request a Quote](https://resources.bradford-bigelow.com/quote)** [![BB-Logo](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BB-Logo.png?width=250&height=67&name=BB-Logo.png "BB-Logo")](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/) Toggle Menu - Who We Are Toggle children for Who We Are - [The B&B Story](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/the-bb-story) - [Meet the Team](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/meet-the-team) - [Build a Career](https://careers.bradford-bigelow.com) - [What's New](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/whats-new) - Printing Toggle children for Printing - [Long-Run 4-Color Printing](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/manroland) - [Long-Run 1 and 2-Color Printing](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/timson) - [Medium Run 4-Color Printing](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/hp) - [Short Run 4-Color Printing](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/screens) - Finishing & Logistics Toggle children for Finishing & Logistics - [Binding Styles](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/binding-styles) - [Warehousing & Fulfillment](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/warehousing-fulfillment) - Quality & Sustainability Toggle children for Quality & Sustainability - [Leading Quality Solutions](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/leading-quality-solutions) - [ISO 9001:2015](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/iso-9001) - [G7 Master](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/g7-master) - [Environmental Initiatives](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/environmental-initiatives) - [FSC & SFI](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/fsc-sfi) - Resources Toggle children for Resources - [Ink, Insight & Impact Blog](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog) - [Publisher Resource Center](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/publisher-resource-center) - Open Search Search Submit Search - [Get In Touch](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/contact) [back to blog](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog) [Supply Chain](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog/topic/supply-chain) # How to Manage Transportation Shortages Read Time **2 mins** ![](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/hubfs/iStock-1156528620.jpg) How to Manage Transportation Shortages 2:32 The landscape of the print industry has changed widely over the last few years. Many publishers, manufacturers, and retailers alike are feeling the effects of extended lead times, supply chain bottlenecks, and now a shortage of transportation options with a 7:1 load to driver ratio¹.  The American Trucking Association (ATA) reports in 2021 that:  **The truck driver shortage hit a historic high of over 80,000 truck drivers. At current trends, the shortage could surpass 160,000 in 2030².** This shortage is compounded by: - The high average age of existing drivers leads to many people retiring in the coming years. - It is difficult to find new drivers since the federally mandated minimum age of 21 to operate a commercial vehicle over state lines. - In 2020, truck driving schools graduated much fewer drivers than usual. - Challenges with a more dispersed lifestyle, particularly in the longer-haul market. ![iStock-507965652](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/iStock-507965652.jpg?width=449&name=iStock-507965652.jpg)What to Do About It Their executive summary further states "because there is no single cause of the driver shortage, that means there is no single solution." However, many publishers are moving towards plan B: just-in-case inventory model.  In order to accommodate longer fulfillment lifecycles, publishers are now retaining a greater amount of inventory. In addition, to combat supply chain delays or unexpected lapses in paper or product availability, many are turning to their printers to provide their new requirements for warehousing and fulfillment. This tactic reduces the probability of selling out books and simultaneously accounts for the influx of demand.  Although carrying inventory may have some risks, publishers should rely largely on their sales forecast and inventory performance data. With the aid of this information, brands can optimize their lead times without increasing the looming risk of backorders or supply shortages. Printers can also assist by using their in-house warehouse management and transportation tools and experience to determine optimal routing for inventory locations and drop shipping to get products to customers faster. While these circumstances are not optimal, we must adapt to ever-changing market conditions. One thing is for certain, publishers need to make sure they are partnering with the right printers who can help navigate these seemingly murky waters and ensure that your brand is being maintained and your customers are satisfied.  --- ¹Morgan Stanley, DRY VAN TL INDEX, October 2021 ²American Trucking Association, ATA Driver Shortage Report, October 2021 ## We can help you combat transportation shortages. [Learn more](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/schedule-a-call) ![](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/hubfs/EK%20Headshot%20yellow%20bg.png) [mailto:](mailto:) ##### Emily Kotecki Emily is the Marketing Manager at Bradford & Bigelow, where she leads brand strategy and content development that helps publishers navigate the world of print and fulfillment. Share the Love [mailto:?subject=How%20to%20Manage%20Transportation%20Shortages&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bradford-bigelow.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-manage-transportation-shortages](mailto:?subject=How%20to%20Manage%20Transportation%20Shortages&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bradford-bigelow.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-manage-transportation-shortages) You May Like These ## Related Articles ![](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/supplychain.jpg?width=700&name=supplychain.jpg) Supply Chain ### [Handling Supply Chain Disruptions and How to Choose the Right Supplier](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog/handling-supply-chain-disruptions-and-how-to-choose-the-right-supplier) ![](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Manroland%20paper.png?width=700&name=Manroland%20paper.png) Manufacturing ### [What Does an Offset Print Production Schedule Actually Look Like?](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog/what-does-an-offset-print-production-schedule-actually-look-like) ![](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Perfect%20bound%20vs%20case%20bound.png?width=700&name=Perfect%20bound%20vs%20case%20bound.png) Manufacturing ### [Perfect Binding vs. Case Binding: Which One is Right for Your Book?](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog/perfect-binding-vs.-case-binding-which-one-is-right-for-your-book) [![BB-Logo](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BB-Logo.png?width=300&height=80&name=BB-Logo.png "BB-Logo")](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/) Your supply chain partner for 8.5x11 perfect, saddle, coil, and case bound products ###### Resources - [Meet the Team](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/meet-the-team) - [Careers](https://careers.bradford-bigelow.com) - [B&B Blog](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog) ###### Contact Us 978-904-3100 Have a question? Feel free to reach out. We love to hear from you! [**Request a quote *⟶***](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/quote)   ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Emily Kotecki", "url" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog/author/emily-kotecki" }, "dateModified" : "2026-07-09T16:20:46.655Z", "datePublished" : "2022-07-05T17:43:00.000Z", "headline" : "How to Manage Transportation Shortages", "image" : [ "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/hubfs/iStock-1156528620.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog/how-to-manage-transportation-shortages", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/hubfs/Logo600px-1.png" }, "name" : "Bradford & Bigelow" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog/how-to-manage-transportation-shortages#blogposting", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleSection" : "Supply Chain", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Emily Kotecki" }, "citation" : [ { "@type" : "CreativeWork", "author" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "Morgan Stanley" }, "datePublished" : "2021-10", "name" : "DRY VAN TL INDEX" }, { "@type" : "CreativeWork", "author" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "American Trucking Association" }, "datePublished" : "2021-10", "name" : "ATA Driver Shortage Report" } ], "description" : "With a historic truck driver shortage and a 7:1 load-to-driver ratio straining the supply chain, publishers are adapting with just-in-case inventory models, increased warehousing, and smarter forecasting. This post explores how partnering with the right printer can help navigate transportation disruptions.", "headline" : "How to Manage Transportation Shortages", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/hubfs/iStock-1156528620.jpg" }, "inLanguage" : "en-US", "isRelatedTo" : [ { "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleSection" : "Supply Chain", "headline" : "Handling Supply Chain Disruptions and How to Choose the Right Supplier", "image" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/supplychain.jpg", "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/#organization" }, "url" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog/handling-supply-chain-disruptions-and-how-to-choose-the-right-supplier" }, { "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleSection" : "Case Studies", "headline" : "Case Study: Branding Matters, Achieving a Color Match", "image" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CSBM.jpg", "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/#organization" }, "url" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog/case-study-branding-matters-achieving-a-color-match" }, { "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleSection" : "Supply Chain", "headline" : "The Importance of Using a Printer with In-House Fulfillment & Warehousing", "image" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Newton%20Warehouse.jpg", "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/#organization" }, "url" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog/the-importance-of-using-a-printer-with-in-house-fulfillment-warehousing" } ], "keywords" : [ "transportation shortage", "truck driver shortage", "supply chain", "just-in-case inventory", "warehousing", "fulfillment", "print industry", "educational publisher", "inventory management", "drop shipping", "Bradford Bigelow" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog/how-to-manage-transportation-shortages", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/#organization" }, "relatedLink" : [ "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog/handling-supply-chain-disruptions-and-how-to-choose-the-right-supplier", "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog/case-study-branding-matters-achieving-a-color-match", "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog/the-importance-of-using-a-printer-with-in-house-fulfillment-warehousing" ], "timeRequired" : "PT2M", "url" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog/how-to-manage-transportation-shortages" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "description" : "Your supply chain partner for 8.5x11 perfect, saddle, coil, and case bound products.", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BB-Logo.png" }, "name" : "Bradford & Bigelow", "sameAs" : [ ], "telephone" : "978-904-3100", "url" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog", "name" : "Blog", "position" : 2 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog/topic/supply-chain", "name" : "Supply Chain", "position" : 3 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog/how-to-manage-transportation-shortages", "name" : "How to Manage Transportation Shortages", "position" : 4 } ] } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog/author/emily-kotecki#author", "@type" : "Person", "email" : "", "image" : { "@id" : "https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog/author/emily-kotecki#authoravatar", "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://21087139.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21087139/EK%20Headshot%20yellow%20bg.png" }, "name" : "Emily Kotecki", "sameAs" : [ ] } ```