Truckers Report Forums (2024)

FAQs

Why do so many truck drivers quit? ›

Many truck drivers feel unappreciated when working with carriers. Often, they are not given respect or recognition for their hard work and dedication to the industry. This lack of appreciation can lead to feelings of frustration and resentment, leading them to look for other opportunities where they can feel valued.

Loading and Unloading May be Required

Many local truck driving jobs require physical labor, as they are often delivering to individual business locations, vs large warehouses. A lot depends on the company and what you are hauling, however. In some instances, drivers will be expected to load and/or unload their trucks.

An ongoing survey conducted by Career Explorer reveals that most truck drivers rate their career happiness at 2.7 out of 5 stars, positioning them in the bottom 10% of careers.

At 1,544,700 seasonally adjusted jobs, truck transportation employment stands exactly 30,000 jobs less than where it was in July 2023.

One reason is necessary and keeps the truck drivers alive: climate control. If their truck does not have an Auxiliary Power Unit, then they need to keep the engine on to prevent heat stroke or freezing to death. There are also other factors, such as road conditions, sudden accidents, and prolonged breaks.

Oversize Load Trucker

Also referred to as heavy haulers, oversize load truck drivers are some of the highest-paid jobs in the industry. The job is challenging as they transport massive payloads such as large construction equipment and windmills.

The estimated total pay for a Local Truck Driver is $87,674 per year, with an average salary of $78,407 per year. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.

Musculoskeletal Injuries

Due to limited mobility in the cabin, drivers may not be able to move their muscles much even if they want to. Sitting on the same seat for hours can lead to neck and back injuries. Plus, their bodies can develop spasms due to overexertion on the body.

The potential for loneliness and isolation is high, as drivers spend days, sometimes weeks, away from family and friends. This, coupled with irregular sleep patterns and the sedentary nature of the job, can lead to a range of health issues including back problems, sleep disorders, and heightened stress levels.

What is a disadvantage of being a truck driver? ›

Another downside of truck driving is that it can be very lonely. You will be spending a lot of time on the road by yourself, and you may not get to see your family and friends as often as you would like. If you are the type of person who thrives on social interaction, this may not be the right career for you.

Truckers In Love—Or Not

A staggering 90% of truckers found it challenging to establish and maintain relationships due to the demands of their profession. Scheduling conflicts and work-related stress were the biggest challenges, affecting 41% of truckers.

Big Five Personality Traits of Truck Drivers

Conscientiousness: Truck drivers need to be responsible, organized and dependable to ensure that deliveries are made on time and safely. Extraversion: While truck driving can be solitary, it also requires interaction with others.

Good truck drivers are always safety-conscious, responsible, punctual, focused, organized, and great at communication.

A career as a trucker is very different from a career where you clock into an office from 8 to 5. Out on the road, your truck is your workplace and your home. Truck drivers work long hours and are often away from family and friends. Life as a trucker can be lonely at times, but it can also feel like one big adventure.

Speeding – While is the most common violation, it is one that can be easily prevented. It's typically coupled with following too closely to another vehicle. Law enforcement agents can also inspect your credentials and vehicle during the stop, which could result in more fines.

Trucking Industry Outlook for 2024. The trucking industry in the United States has faced multiple challenges over the last few years. Rising fuel costs, increasing insurance claims and driver shortages are just a few things that have impacted the trucking economy.

Failing to create a solid business plan, poorly managing expenses, and missing important DOT compliance requirements can cause small trucking companies and owner-operators to shut down early on in their business ventures.

Job Pressures

Aside from the pressure of delivering goods in perfect condition, one of the most difficult challenges for truck drivers is the pressure of delivering each item on time. Many employers set difficult delivery goals, forcing truck drivers to go above and beyond to meet those targets.