The United States Census Bureau reports America has about 3.5 million truck drivers and estimates they may increase in the coming years. With more drivers interested in trucking as a full-time job, an overview of the industry’s challenges can help determine if truck driving suits you.

Some common issues truckers face daily include deplorable working conditions, health challenges, and loneliness from extended periods away from home. This post explains more about the unique problems truck drivers encounter on the road and potential solutions to their challenges.

1. Tough Trucking Regulations

Truck drivers must obey the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) rules and regulations. The current trucking laws state that drivers should spend 60 hours driving in seven consecutive days.

The rules also state drivers should take a 34-hour minimum break to get enough rest before driving again after a 60-hour shift. While these regulations are essential for keeping truck drivers safe and healthy, some say they hinder them from making more deliveries. Trucking rules also change often and can be challenging to monitor while driving in remote areas.

Regularly checking the truck driver news provides fresh insight into new trucking industry regulations. News updates also inform you of all crucial road matters, including traffic and the weather.

2. Harsh Working Conditions

Truckers have huge job targets that put them under intense pressure. High-pressure working environments can cause drivers to develop severe health and mental issues. Driving long hours to make timely deliveries without breaks also increases the chance of having an accident.

Additionally, most truck drivers get injuries while loading and unloading cargo from their vehicles. The work demands of truck driving can be physically and mentally taxing. As a result, many drivers leave their jobs to improve their working conditions.

3. Extended Periods Away from Home

Truck drivers are the backbone of the country’s domestic shipments. As such, they work round the clock to ensure cargo arrives at the appointed destination in good time. Their busy schedule keeps them away from home for extended periods.

On average, truckers spend about two to three weeks away from home, depending on the distance and cargo size. Extended time away from home and loved ones can cause loneliness, mental health issues, and strained relationships.

A favorable delivery schedule will increase the time spent with friends and family at home. Shorter routes take less time away from home, whereas longer destinations isolate you on the road for days.

4. Inadequate Parking

Parking space is a significant problem for drivers in America. Truck drivers have access to limited parking space in many areas. Most spend hours searching for adequate parking spaces before breaking for the night. Others park on the roadside to avoid wasting gas and time looking for suitable parking spaces.

Searching for parking areas with the help of a dispatcher before arriving at your designated place can prevent you from driving around aimlessly. You can also save time by checking the available truck parking spaces on a parking app.

5. Health Challenges

Truck drivers sit for long hours daily. According to Yale Medicine, prolonged sitting can trigger health conditions such as diabetes, heart issues, back pain, weight gain, and other dangerous lifestyle conditions.

Most truck drivers also have irregular feeding and lifestyle habits that can endanger their well-being. Some never exercise and consume lots of caffeine on the road, while others get little to no rest after their shifts.

A comfortable sitting cushion in your truck can help prevent backaches when sitting for prolonged periods. Besides, exercising a few minutes and resting well can boost your physical and mental health.

6. Truck Maintenance Issues

Truck drivers should always confirm their vehicles are okay for driving before embarking on a trip. They must also take their trucks for routine maintenance at designated servicing centers nationwide.

Failure to inspect or service a truck can cause old, faulty, or broken equipment over time. Driving with worn-out equipment can cause fatal accidents on the road. It’s also an offense that can attract high fines from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA).

Checking for worn-out parts and replacing them before a trip can prevent truck maintenance issues such as fines. It also reduces the risk of vehicle malfunctions and severe vehicle accidents.

7. Irregular Payments

Most drivers receive compensation based on the miles they cover in a specific duration. Drivers with specific operating routes receive pre-determined payments, while irregular drivers get fluctuating pay.

Consistent payments are simple to track and plan long-term. On the other hand, irregular payments can vary depending on the distance covered.

Working for truck driving companies with hourly payments can help track the money received after a shift. Hourly compensation is also fairer than per-mile compensation since you get paid for the hours worked and not the distance traveled.

To Summarize

Truck drivers face numerous challenges on the road. These problems prevent them from leading ordinary lives. They include sickness, difficult working conditions, and loneliness. Drivers also encounter road and maintenance regulations that limit their schedules.

Understanding the various truck driving challenges gives you an idea of the problems you may encounter if you want to become a truck driver. It also physically and mentally prepares you for the issues and triggers you to find available solutions.