Is there a driver shortage or is there a competency shortage?
Shortage or no shortage, hiring and retaining the best drivers happens when you properly interview candidates. Ask the right questions, seek the best answers, while validating competencies.
Many carriers hire anyone with a class 1 license, clean driving record and a heartbeat. While that may fill vacancies, its not likely to be the best choice for your company. Candidates can look great on paper and still not be adequate.