Transportation jobs are being offered at a rate that is up 73 percent from a year ago, including 20,000 new jobs from April to June. A website called Indeed.com tracks online job postings and compiled the numbers. Companies are hiring for truck driving, stocking, warehousing and other freight-related positions.

A significant number of these jobs require a commercial driver's license. A clean driving record is important in getting hired. Gwinnett County commercial driver's license defense attorneys successfully defend many truck drivers.

Several factors are increasing truck driver demand. One is an increase in freight tonnage. As the economy improves, more goods need to be shipped. Transportation industries tend to see growth first.

Another factor contributing to increased hiring is...

the aging of truck drivers.

Two years ago, 39 to 40 percent of the industry was going to be retiring within ten years. With the downturn, many older drivers retired and some smaller companies went out of business.

New safety regulations implemented by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are expected to take some drivers off the road, too. If deemed unfit for health or safety reasons, existing drivers will be replaced.

Commercial drivers' job security is good. Starting salaries range from $38,000 to $42,000, and experienced drivers make more. One industry expert says, "The industry is moving toward average salaries of $65,000 for drivers. With a CDL and a clean driving record, you can go anywhere in the world and work."