what you said implies that since for example the trucking industry in the area I live in is in decline all of those truckers will start to ship illegal drugs
Not every fleet enjoyed an abundant amount of trained and skilled personnel. Generally, only criminals and degenerates resorted to piracy. Skilled mech technicians and engineers enjoyed way too many job prospects. Anyone with a brain would never volunteer to become an outlaw that had to run from the authorities like a dog for the rest of his life.
High writing quality smart mc nice character development 10/10 would read again. the world is also quite well fleshed out much better than some of the other tl books.