Similar history in the UK, with the additional disincentives of increased compliance regulation bourne by drivers, and reduced availability of welfare amenity for drivers on the road (reasonably priced rest stops with good food, bathing, security, etc.). The gap was being covered by cheaper foreign labour that would tolerate the privations of the job for a while (investing their spare wages into post driving opportunities), foreign cabotage (leading to increased accidents on the road from tractors set up for driving on the right in Europe rather than the left in UK/Ireland).
Older drivers retired and reduced citizen entry into the driving as a job.
Similar history in the UK, with the additional disincentives of increased compliance regulation bourne by drivers, and reduced availability of welfare amenity for drivers on the road (reasonably priced rest stops with good food, bathing, security, etc.). The gap was being covered by cheaper foreign labour that would tolerate the privations of the job for a while (investing their spare wages into post driving opportunities), foreign cabotage (leading to increased accidents on the road from tractors set up for driving on the right in Europe rather than the left in UK/Ireland).
Older drivers retired and reduced citizen entry into the driving as a job.
Matt, I didn't expect a cartel-positive article here. What exactly is your alternative? Re-establish the cartel system and wage/price controls?