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Truckload turnover hovered at elevated levels in the fourth quarter, American Trucking Associations reported, raising concerns about adequate driver supply in an improving freight market later this year.

Driver turnover rates in the second quarter showed signs of stability, but at an elevated level, rising 2 percentage points from the first quarter to 99% at large truckload fleets and remaining unchanged at 82% among smaller carriers, American Trucking Associations reported last week.

High driver turnover continues to plague the trucking industry, as third-quarter figures for both large and small truckload fleets stand near levels last seen in 2007, American Trucking Associations reported last week.

The lead story of this publication’s June 18 issue discussed the growing problem of driver turnover and how even small truckload fleets, known for their ability to control turnover by maintaining close driver relationships, are now in need of creative retention solutions as their turnover rate has soared to 71%.

Driver turnover is expected to rise this year after remaining near record lows for much of 2010, as the economy strengthens and new federal safety initiatives are implemented, a trucking official said.