Many of today’s drivers face similar challenges as those of their predecessors. Despite the developments related to health and technology, drivers continue to face familiar downsides of trucking that today’s drivers should be aware of, especially new drivers entering the industry.
The United States trucking business is valued in the billions of dollars, moving more than 10 billion dollars of freight every year. Working in an industry that generates more revenue than the GDP of 150 other countries and carrying more than 70% of goods in the U.S moved by transport trucks, it’s not an industry for the faint of heart.
Stress on the Road
Physically and emotionally, truck driving is stressful. While it seems every employee across the U.S. claims that their job is stressful, the stress that coincides with truck driving is just different. Sure, we spend a lot of time alone, but we are constantly navigating traffic, watching the drivers around us, fighting the clock, and looking for addresses. We negotiate with our dispatchers, shippers, receivers, and sometimes other drivers. And of course, we run against the clock. On top of it all, drivers are carrying the responsibility for the freight, entrusted that it will arrive unscathed.
Communication
People think that truckers are simply hermits on wheels. The reality is, successful and respected drivers need to be masters in communication if they want to make deliveries and pickups as smooth as possible. A little kindness goes a long way when interacting with other stressed-out individuals who often see drivers as an inconvenience in their work day. We are “one more thing” to deal with in their already-busy days. It will never hurt to show patience and kindness in all of your communications.
Truck Driver Shortage
According to an estimate from the American Trucking Association, the US is experiencing a shortage of 80,000 drivers. These numbers tell only a small part of the story. The shortage of drivers doesn’t come from a lack of skilled and qualified drivers. In fact, according to some estimates, there are millions who hold the required CDL but opt for work in other areas of logistics, or other careers altogether. This leaves active drivers with an abundance of work, an excess of freight, and companies that can push drivers to their limits.
Truck Parking Shortage
The Jason’s Law Report from 2019 cites that while there are about 3.5 million truck drivers there are just 313,000 truck parking spaces making just one spot available for every eleven drivers. Drivers face the challenge of safe parking on a daily basis. Every night you’ll find drivers parked on highway ramps and road shoulders – they are the safest spots, but they are likely the last available. Be prepared to face the daily challenge of parking and plan ahead when possible. Consider investing in an app—like TruckPark—to help you along the way.
Lawsuit Abuse
Dotting the fields and highways across the U.S., billboards boast claims for lawsuit settlements surpassing $10 million. Lawyers—big and small—continue to solicit drivers to come forward with near-promises to secure big compensation. Simply put, there’s big money to be made by the lawyers. Trucking companies have big policies and ample assets meaning that the lawyers can extract maximum finances from a company. Any accident causing injuries both major and minor carries the potential to exhaust a company and its drivers of all finances, and potentially close operations. As a driver, you must be aware of the possible implications of your truck handling skills.
In today’s truck driving landscape, drivers need to maintain their awareness of issues and concerns in the industry. A well-rounded driver will best reflect the company and the business of trucking, showing them to be the professional driver that we should all strive to be.
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