Being a truck driver, while a rewarding job, is also a difficult one with plenty of challenges ahead of anyone pursuing this career path – some of which they will be unable to overcome on their own, as they are associated more with the industry as a whole rather than a person. Everyone considering becoming a truck driver should be aware of them so that they have a realistic image of what being a modern truck driver entails.
So, what are some of the current biggest truck driver challenges? Let’s take a look, shall we?
#1 Driver Shortage
Probably one of the biggest challenges the industry is facing these days is the fact that there’s a drivers shortage. According to a recent study, the US would need more than 80,000 truck drivers in order to make up for the current shortage.
This can be both a curse and a blessing, depending on how you look at it.
On the one hand, you won’t have to worry as much as some other professions about not being able to find a job – you’re not forced to choose a company you’re not really looking forward to because it’s the only option available. It’s quite the opposite, and instead of employees having to work for the company’s approval of their employment, it’s now often the company that has to “sell themselves” harder in order to land the right employee.
At the same time, however, since companies don’t have enough drivers to always keep them in the same region, you might be required to take up routes you don’t particularly enjoy – not to mention that the shortage often results in drivers having to work more hours than they would if companies had enough employees.
What are the reasons behind it? Well, there are a few, including a retiring workforce, high demand, and fewer drivers coming into the industry than before. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like the situation is going to be changing for the better anytime soon.
#2 Truck Parking Shortage
Aside from driver shortage, the industry is facing another major shortage that impacts those who are already a part of the workforce – and that is the lack of truck parking spots.
Without proper tools, finding a free parking spot can take hours, which is not only inconvenient for the driver but also dangerous, as tiredness can lead to careless driving, which can then lead to accidents. Not to mention that driving for too many hours can cause an HOS violation and result in a fine for the driver’s company.
Tools like Truck Parking Club can help with that, at least to some extent. By becoming a trucker member, you’ll gain access to the list of available free truck parking spots along your route that you can book on an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly basis, saving you the time you would spend on looking for available parking.
#3 Job Pressure
Another issue truck drivers face is job pressure. Truck drivers are the backbone of many industries, which is why it’s crucial that their job is done in a timely manner. The clients expect their goods to arrive not only in ideal condition but also on time. Unfortunately, that might not always be possible due to things that cannot be controlled by the driver, such as weather conditions, traffic, or unfavorable road conditions. Very often, drivers might also be held up at customer facilities rather than on the road.
#4 Lack of Work-Life Balance
Many truck drivers struggle with maintaining a healthy work-life balance due to long periods spent on the road, which makes spending time with their families or engaging in things they enjoy harder.
There are, however, a few things that can help them in improving it, including:
- Setting boundaries – Working overtime can seem appealing in the beginning due to financial perks, but in the long run, it can lead to a blur in boundaries between what you can do and what the company expects you to do. That’s why it’s important to set boundaries for yourself and stick to them. Don’t overwork yourself, and learn how to say “no.”
- Leave your work behind – Your work and your home should be two spaces that don’t interfere with each other, meaning that once you reach home, you leave your work behind and vice versa. It might be hard in the beginning, but you shouldn’t let yourself stress over work-related things when at home.
- Keep in touch with your family and friends even on the road – Your friends and family will be your support system, which is why it’s important that you talk to them even when on the road. Thankfully, we live in times when keeping in touch is easier than ever – with video calls and phone calls, your loved ones are just one click away. It might also be worth trying to make friends with others in your industry, especially other drivers, as oftentimes, no one can understand what you’re going through better than someone who is dealing with the same things as you do.
#5 Health Issues
Just like many other professions, being a truck driver can also have consequences on a person’s health. Some of the job-related health issues common among truck drivers include high blood pressure, type II diabetes, musculoskeletal problems, or obstructive sleep apnea.
To minimize the risk of developing any of them, you should implement preventive measures, such as:
- Regular exercise and stretching to prevent muscle stiffness and “driver’s knee”
- Stress reduction through walks, rest, and relaxing activities
- Getting a good night’s sleep before hitting the road
- Keeping a relaxed posture while driving
- Regular doctor visits to diagnose and treat issues as soon as possible
#6 Poor Infrastructure
It’s no secret that some of the country’s infrastructure is not in the greatest condition, which results in higher vehicle operating costs, such as fuel consumption, deterioration, or tire wear. That’s one of the issues that are not dependent on the drivers themselves – unless the government or private owners take care of the roads, the issue will persist.
#7 Safety Hazards
Truck drivers might be faced with several safety hazards. First of all, there’s the risk of highway accidents – as mentioned, tiredness caused by long driving hours can cause the driver to become distracted. But that’s not all – accidents can also be caused by other drivers or bad weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snowstorms.
There are also risks associated with loading and unloading the cargo or exposure to toxic substances when transporting hazardous materials, as well as vehicle malfunctions or overnight parking in unsafe conditions, which is connected to what we mentioned above about the truck parking shortage.
#8 Irregular Schedule
Another challenge that truck drivers face in their jobs is irregular working times. When you work a 9 to 5, it’s easy to plan things, and you know that once the 8 hours are up, you can go home until the next day. With truck driving, however, the matter is not as simple – truck driving often entails being on the move for several days. Not to mention that if a need arises, you might have to hit the road as soon as possible.
Is Being a Truck Driver Difficult?
Just like most jobs, being a truck driver also has its pros and cons. However, the answer to the question of how difficult of a job it is will heavily depend on the person.
For example, some people don’t mind spending days on the road – quite the opposite, they might like the solitude and actually enjoy it. For others, on the other hand, it might be the hardest part about being a truck driver.
So, is being a truck driver hard? It can be.
The Bottom Line
Truck drivers face a number of challenges, many of which cannot be fixed by them and have to do with the state of the industry. There are, however, as you can see, some things that can easily be fixed.
At Truck Parking Club, we can help with at least one of them – specifically truck parking shortage. Register today, and you’ll find that finding an empty parking spot has never been easier. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us – we’ll be more than happy to help.
The information published herein is for general informational purposes only. Truck Parking Club does not make any representations or warranties about the completeness, reliability, legality, and accuracy of this information. Any reliance placed on such material is strictly at the user’s own risk. Truck Parking Club shall not be responsible for any losses or damages incurred in connection with the information published herein.
