By Luladey B. Tadesse
Gannett News Service

ELKTON, Md. - Marion Crawford can handle being away from his family three weeks at a time, hauling wood and other products across country in his truck.

For nearly 25 years, Crawford, 59, of Marion, N.C., has been driving trucks for the military and more recently, for Langford Inc., based in St. Cloud, Minn. But experts say many drivers drop out of the business because they can't stand the long hours, pressure of delivering goods on time and what they view as low pay.

Trucking companies are experiencing more demand from manufacturers and retailers than they can handle because of a shortage of drivers.

Truck tonnage was up 6.4 percent through May this year, double what it was for the same period last year, according to the American Trucking Associations in Alexandria, Va. Economists forecast tonnage will peak with the Christmas shipping season, which begins next month.

Bob Costello, chief economist at American Trucking Associations, said the driver shortage is holding back the industry.

"They have the demand from their customers; they just don't have the labor," Costello said.

Following the recession in 2001, trucking companies laid off workers.

Even with the recovery, some carriers have been slow to add workers or buy new equipment partly until transportation rates rise. Now, those ready to hire can't find enough drivers.

Analysts said trucking companies may have to boost salaries and incentives if they want to attract more drivers.

The average pay for truck drivers nationwide is about $43,000 per year, the ATA says.