Mahoning Valley - For more than 400 truck drivers who lost their jobs without notice at Falcon Transport, there are new opportunities on the horizon.

Local trucking firms are reaching out to Falcon drivers with new job offers.

"We would be more than happy to bring you out to our complex and see if we can be a resource for you," said Kristen Taylor, Operations Manager at Penn-Ohio Leasing in Austintown.

Penn-Ohio says business is growing, they previously purchased some Falcon trucks and have good jobs for reliable drivers. "We have health insurance, we have a retirement plan, we have a bonus structure, so we're fortunate, and we're proud of what we can offer," Taylor said.

Falcon drivers also are welcome at Predator Trucking in Girard. "We need good quality people that are dependable, on the job every day, and yes we have opportunities," Predator owner Charles Haselow said. 

For qualified drivers, the turn around time can be minimal.  "Usually within a few days, less than a week, we can have them out working," said Predator recruiter Jacki Rogers. 

It's the same at AIM National Leasing in Girard. They say they have jobs waiting for qualified drivers.

Chief operating officer David Gurska said they could probably use between 25 and 50 of the former Falcon drivers. "We'd love to talk to as many as we can and see if we can find a home for them," he said.

According to Gurska, the need for drivers is industry wide.

"The last time I checked, there's a 200,000 driver shortage. So every day, 200,000 trucks go without a driver. So yes, it's a big problem," said Gurska.

Drivers can apply in person at the local firms or on their respective web sites.