(WSIL) -- Road salt is not a problem for the Illinois Department of Transportation but finding drivers to put the salt down is a challenge.
"We have tons of salt," IDOT spokesperson Paul Wappel said. "Salt domes throughout the state are busting at the seams. We have plenty."
IDOT still needs more drivers to potentially put the salt down across the state's highways. Wappel says they're hiring 1,425 temporary drivers for the upcoming winter season to go with 1,700 permanent drivers they have.
IDOT is having trouble finding candidates with commercial driver's licenses. In 2021, the American Trucking Associations reported a shortage of 80,000 CDL drivers. By 2030, the group expects the shortage to double to 160,000.
"Hiring continues to be a fluid process because some areas have more difficulties than others," Wappel said. "Other [Departments of Transportation] around the country, same thing, just CDL drivers are in high demand."
IDOT Region 5 director Rob Graeff says they put in a request for 108 seasonal drivers and about 35 more permanent workers. Graeff says lower numbers could mean slower plow times.
Wappel says they're doing their best to hire on just like everyone else.
"We're facing the same workforce challenges as several other states in finding both seasonal and permanent staff," Wappel said.
Applicants are required to have a CDL, pass a physical and a drug test. You can apply .
