Pedro Félix Alonso, a Cuban entrepreneur based in Miami and founder of a specialized freight transport company since 2020, recently shared his ongoing challenges in a Facebook video. His candid testimony about the difficulty of finding reliable and skilled drivers for his fleet has resonated with thousands of followers on his channel, Pflogistic92.
In the video, which has garnered over 30,000 views, Alonso bluntly states, "Buddy, you can own ten or twenty trucks, but without drivers for them, you have nothing." This statement underscores the primary headache he faces in his business operations.
Alonso, with over a decade of industry experience, recounted specific incidents involving two consecutive drivers assigned to his truck 104, a maroon vehicle he considers the best in his fleet.
The first driver lasted only three weeks before being dismissed due to his constant complaining and repeated late arrivals for deliveries.
The second driver, who lacked prior experience with flatbed trailers, was given what Alonso describes as a privileged opportunity: training alongside experienced drivers and support from day one. Nevertheless, this driver lost essential trailer parts—ramp pins and chain binders—failed to properly secure the load, posing a real risk of traffic accidents, and ultimately committed an act that Alonso deemed unacceptable.
"That guy never checked the oil pressure the entire week he worked. It could have burnt out. He placed a family photo over the oil pressure gauge. That's intolerable," Alonso explained.
After firing both drivers, Alonso decided to keep the truck in the depot until he finds someone worthy: "I'll clean it, grease it, make it look nice again, and leave it in the yard until someone deserving comes along to work with me."
Despite these setbacks, Alonso describes his operation as profitable and well-organized. He offers his drivers 30% of the business, with weekly pay and no withheld earnings, and each truck generates between $9,000 and $15,000 monthly.
Alonso also took the opportunity in the video to debunk a common industry myth: that the average rate is four dollars per mile. "Rates are running at three dollars, three forty, three fifty, three twenty... But not all loads. You might find a load paying four or five dollars, but that's not the average," he clarified.
For those interested in joining his team, the requirements are straightforward: a minimum of two years' experience—an insurance company mandate—basic English proficiency, and legal residency, given the current immigration climate in the United States.
Alonso’s complaint is not unique. Florida is projected to face a shortfall of around 12,000 drivers by 2026, while nationwide, the deficit exceeds 82,000 drivers, with hiring costs rising 41% over the past year, according to industry data.
Alonso also shared that one of his best drivers recently left truck 102 to pursue a career in real estate, a decision Alonso respected: "Trucking is tough. I've made some money with you here, and now I can take a few months to see how I do," the driver stated upon leaving.
A new driver has since taken over, already completing three loads without issues, indicating that when the right person is found, the business thrives: "You don't need to be a genius to do well in trucking. You just have to be committed to the job."
FAQs About the Trucking Industry Challenges in Miami
Why is there a shortage of truck drivers in Florida?
There is a shortage of truck drivers in Florida due to increasing demand for freight services, retirements of older drivers, and challenges in attracting new drivers to the industry.
What are the requirements to become a truck driver with Alonso's company?
To become a truck driver with Alonso's company, candidates need at least two years of experience, basic English skills, and legal residency in the United States.
How much can a truck generate monthly with Alonso's company?
Each truck at Alonso's company generates between $9,000 and $15,000 monthly, depending on the workload and routes.