2025 Driver Shortages and Manufacturing Demand: The Perfect Time to Get a CDL

Whenever there’s a swap in political power from one party to another, you can always expect a lot of change. While 2025 has brought a lot of uncertainty, change has been the one constant. When it comes to the transportation industry, we’re in the midst of a historic moment—one shaped by driver shortages, manufacturing booms, and federal policies that are kicking the door open for a new generation of qualified, well-compensated drivers.

As one of Washington state’s leading CDL training programs, our team at New Sound CDL School has helped countless drivers successfully enter the workforce and secure high-paying careers in logistics. With an insider view of the industry, we know exactly what it takes to help you succeed.

Let’s take a closer look at the federal changes and industry trends in 2025 that make it the perfect year to earn your CDL and hit the road.

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A National Driver Shortage Means Many Job Openings

The trucking industry is going through a driver shortage that doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the transportation industry has around 240,300 driver openings each year.

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What’s causing the driver shortage?

• An aging workforce (many drivers are at retirement age)
• A lack of new CDL holders entering the field
• Rising manufacturing and freight demand across the U.S.

Trucking companies are actively recruiting new drivers.

Better pay, sign-on bonuses, full benefits, and more flexible schedules are more common than ever before. If you're ready to launch a new career, this demand means more job offers, more job security, and faster advancement—especially for those who start now.

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U.S. Manufacturing Is Booming—But It Needs Drivers

American manufacturing is making a serious comeback. Due to global supply chain disruptions and increasing tariffs, U.S. companies are bringing their production back home. In fact, annual manufacturing construction spending in the U.S. has tripled from 2021 to 2024.

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What does U.S. manufacturing mean for CDL drivers?

It’s simple, really: more factories means more freight. Every product made in America needs to be shipped, and that means more trucks, more routes, and more skilled drivers. Earning your CDL today puts you in the driver’s seat of this manufacturing resurgence.

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CDL Drivers Are Receiving Stricter English Requirements

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced a new rule that takes effect on June 25, 2025: current CDL holders can be declared out-of-service if they cannot demonstrate basic English proficiency to remain safely active in the industry.

In other words, drivers who can’t speak or read English well enough to understand road signs, communicate with officials, or complete basic documentation can now be removed from service. This follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump called Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers. The order directed regulators to begin taking quick action on already existing English proficiency laws.

The enforcement of these rules and regulations would create an even greater driver shortage and immediately impact companies by removing their current drivers from the road. This creates an even higher demand for skilled CDL drivers who are proficient in English.

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FAQ: CDL and Trucking Careers in 2025

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Is it required to attend a certified CDL school to take the exam?

Yes, under the federal ELDT mandate, all new CDL applicants must complete training from an FMCSA-certified school like New Sound CDL before they can qualify to take the skills test.

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How long does CDL training take?

Our program takes 2 weeks for a Class B CDL or Upgrade, and 4 weeks for a Class A CDL. We also offer evening and part-time options to place you in the best position to succeed.

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Will the driver shortage continue?

Yes, every prediction from trusted models sees it continuing. With many older drivers retiring and demand increasing, the shortage is even expected to worsen through the end of the decade. While it sounds bad, that means greater opportunity and power for you as a driver.

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Can I get help finding a CDL job after I graduate?

Absolutely! We offer job placement assistance and have connections with many top carriers across Washington state and the U.S.

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English is my second language—will I pass the CDL exam?

Yes, if you display a basic proficiency of the English language. Our team is fluent in Spanish, Russian, and Ukrainian, and we provide language support to ESL students in their training with us. As long as you meet the federal proficiency requirements, we can help you pass your CDL exam and become a confident, successful CDL driver.

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Washington’s Top CDL Training Program

At New Sound CDL School, we’ve focused on creating a program that’s affordable, accessible, and built around your personal success. We’ve found that aiming beyond the CDL exam itself is what produces the greatest results. Our goal is to train the best CDL drivers, not just test takers. 

Whether you’re brand new to the industry or simply returning to upgrade your license, our team will walk with you every step of the way.

We’ll help you:

• Navigate DOL and medical card requirements
• Prepare for the CDL written exam with guided study
• Learn your vehicle systems inside and out
• Master the in-cab and out-of-cab pre-trip inspections
• Practice maneuvering and driving skills until you're confident
• Schedule your test and pass it the first time

We even offer assistance with financing and payment plans, so nothing stands between you and your new career.

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What Makes New Sound CDL School Different?

There are plenty of training options out there, but here’s why so many students choose New Sound CDL School every year:

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Washington’s Highest CDL Pass Rate

80% of our students pass the CDL exam on their first attempt—making us the most successful CDL school in the state.

Small Class Sizes & One-on-One Help

We limit class sizes so you never feel lost in the crowd. Our instructors are approachable, experienced, and fully committed to your success.

Modern Trucks & Training Lots

You’ll train in clean, modern equipment on a professionally paved lot that simulates real-world conditions.

Job Placement Assistance

We have strong partnerships with top employers like Swift, McLane, and Sysco—so when you’re ready to hit the road, you won’t be on your own.

Flexible Scheduling

We offer evening classes and part-time training for students who are working, parenting, or juggling busy lives.

Multilingual Support

We offer full support for Spanish, Russian, and Ukrainian speakers, making sure every student understands the content and feels confident asking questions.

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Ready to Start Your CDL Journey? Enroll with New Sound Today.

If you've been thinking about a career in commercial driving, there’s no better time to act than right now. With unprecedented demand, new federal standards tightening the labor pool, and American industry roaring back to life, skilled CDL drivers are more valuable than ever. At New Sound CDL School in Fife, Washington, we’re here to make sure you’re one of them.

Our team is dedicated to helping you succeed from day one, with expert instructors, flexible scheduling, multilingual support, and job placement connections that open real doors. Whether you’re starting fresh or making a career change, we’ll help you take full advantage of everything 2025 has to offer.

Classes are filling quickly—don’t wait. Enroll today or reach out to ask questions. Either way, take the first step toward your new future in trucking!