Cummins and ATA Celebrate the Truck Driving Championships in Indianapolis and Emphasize that Addressing Driver Shortage is Critical to the U.S. Economy

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INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) and the American Trucking Associations (ATA) celebrated the trucking profession in Indianapolis while also addressing the nationwide shortage of driving professionals.

This awareness comes as the ATA holds the National Truck Driving Championships this week at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana from Wednesday, August 10 – Saturday, August 13. During the three days more than 430 drivers from across the country, representing different companies and fleets, will be competing in various skills competitions.

Cummins is supporting the championships to bring attention to the nationwide truck driver shortage and to highlight how the profession is improving. The Columbus, Indiana-based engine manufacturer is offering ride-and-drives in downtown Indianapolis in state-of-the-art tractor-trailers with its 2017 X15 engines to showcase how technology is improving the conditions for modern day truck drivers.

“Our nation’s economy is very much dependent on the trucking industry, and at the heart of it is the driver,” said Amy Boerger, Cummins Vice President of Sales. “This week we are seeing the best of the best show their skills. And, I am proud that Cummins, with our engines and technology, helps truck-drivers work in a safer, more dependable atmosphere. Continuing and growing this proud and important segment of our economy is critical to how we do business and how Americans receive the goods they expect.”

According to the ATA, the driver shortage right now is near 48,000 and, if current trends hold, this number may reach 175,000 by 2024. The driver shortage is, in part, due to a higher population of drivers nearing retirement age. As they retire, the industry is not backfilling positions in the younger generations at a rate to match retirement attrition.

For Americans, a driver shortage could negatively impact consumer in many ways, from higher costs to have products delivered, to longer delays in receiving products, whether it is at home, the grocery or the local pharmacy.

To attract the next generation of drivers, Cummins, the ATA and other industry-leading companies are working to highlight the innovations in today’s trucks and in the profession. Technological advancements and engine performance are key principles of how Cummins designs its products. From tires to the engine, to the chairs, to the sleepers, trucks are state-of-the-art vehicles that meet stringent emissions and fuel economy standards while still an enjoyable experience for drivers.

For Bill West, driving a truck is a rewarding profession on many levels.

“It provides you freedom, flexibility and security. It is a safe profession where you can earn six-figures,” said West, America’s Road Team Captain at the Truck Driving Championships and owner of a Cummins-powered Ram truck. “I get up every day and know the work I am doing directly impacts the American economy. I can also see real opportunity professionally and personally. There are more career development opportunities than there used to be and now most drivers get to see our families at least every other day, rather than once a month like it used to be. This is a great profession and I encourage others to look into it.”

West believes technologies like automatic manual transmission, blind spot identification and adaptive cruise control allow drivers to concentrate on driving safely and with greater ease. He also sees the industry becoming more regional which means less time on the road and more time with his family.

“The National Truck Driving Championships are a great opportunity to showcase the finest drivers and newest technologies in our industry,” said Elisabeth Barna, ATA Chief Operating Officer. “These are truck drivers who love their careers and excel at being the safest and most professional drivers on the nation’s highways.”

About Cummins Inc.

Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service diesel and natural gas engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emissions solutions and electrical power generation systems. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (USA), Cummins currently employs approximately 55,000 people worldwide, and serves customers in approximately 190 countries and territories through a network of approximately 600 company-owned and independent distributor locations and more than 7,200 dealer locations. Cummins earned $1.4 billion on sales of $19.1 billion in 2015. Press releases can be found on the Web at cummins.com or cumminsengines.com. Follow Cummins on Twitter at http://twitter.com/cumminsengines and on YouTube at http://youtube.com/cumminsengines.

Cummins Inc.
Jon Mills
Director – External Communications
317-658-4540
jon.mills@cummins.com

Source: Cummins Inc.

Released August 10, 2016