Truck drivers are the lifeline of the global economy. Imports, exports, trade, transportation, supply chains, these are all things that affect our everyday lives from the clothes we wear to the cup of coffee we brew. Carriers transport parcels, pallets, refrigerated goods, and  life-saving medical supplies. While freight transportation is all around us, how often do we pause to consider the perspective of the truck drivers who make it all happen? During Truck Driver Appreciation Week, it’s more important than ever to consider how we can support truck drivers while they support us.

The Backbone of Commerce

Described by The Truck Driving Institute as the “backbone of commerce”, truck transport is responsible for practically any tangible items we use here in America and around the world. This includes the obvious consumer categories like clothing and food – and also the not-so-obvious ones like electronic parts, factory goods, and industrial supplies. In 2022 alone, trucks transported roughly 72.6% of the nation’s freight by weight according to the American Trucking Association. The logistics industry as a whole contributed $1.7 trillion dollars to the U.S. economy this year, making up about 6.7% of the total U.S. GDP. We are undeniably reliant on logistics professionals to keep our economy afloat. 

Gas stations, pit stops, late night diners, laundromats, and churches are where truck drivers live on long-haul routes. With some spending days to weeks away from home at a time, drivers are resilient and resourceful. As a trucker from Corpus Christi, Texas put it in a 2022 New York Times interview “I’m away from my house, but that truck is technically my house [now].” The article reported on how the trucking industry was facing a plethora of post-pandemic changes, from driver shortages to self-driving trucks and lower wages as inflation was rising; factors that continue to contribute to the escalating sense of dissatisfaction reported by many within the trucking and logistics industry. 

At the same time, trucking is viewed as an ideal career path for many who are not satisfied with conventional jobs that don’t offer much independence or flexibility. A career in trucking allows drivers to work as an independent contractor with the ability to choose their routes and the autonomy over work-life balance. In 11 Valuable Benefits of a Truck Driver Career, Indeed reports that drivers earned an average annual salary of $67,457 (as of October 2023), which was above the average annual income for Americans. In addition to an above-average salary, drivers can pursue advancement opportunities within their field at an advanced pace. While truck driving has its own set of struggles, for many it’s their career of choice.

In this post, let’s reflect on challenges truck drivers may face that make them the resilient and resourceful backbone of our economy.

Driver Health and Wellness

On long-haul routes, drivers pass by hundreds of fast food restaurants and gas stations that offer processed snacks and drinks. Healthy food options can be few and far between. This is just one reason why many drivers struggle to maintain a healthy diet – and a healthy weight. The data makes it clear that truck drivers are facing an epidemic with startling rates of obesity, diabetes, depression, and chronic back pain. It’s a well-known industry fact that truck drivers face an average life-expectancy that is 16 years less than the average population. Companies like Offshift are facing this epidemic head-on. Offshift provides drivers with a custom health plan and personal remote coach to help them make healthy lifestyle choices, reduce obesity, increase physical fitness, and improve mental health.

Truck Stops

Truck drivers also spend plenty of time at truck stops. Hours-of-service restrictions encourage driver rest and safety, which means that truckers need a place to park, take care of hygiene, eat, and sleep.  Naturally, driver pit stops and travel centers are expected to provide the amenities hubs that drivers need like showers, bathrooms, and even chapels and hair salons. While some are better outfitted than others, truck drivers become resourceful and find clever ways to integrate self-care into their OTR lifestyle. 

Commercial Vehicle and Fleet Parking

In America, over 98 percent of drivers report trouble finding truck parking spaces [American Trucking Association]! When truck drivers can’t find a designated parking space, they may risk parking in potentially an unsafe or illegal space. Since driving breaks are mandatory and drivers must get an adequate amount of sleep to perform their job safely, parking shortages may force drivers into a hazardous situation to stay compliant. 

Companies like Fleet Parking  provide truckers with safe and reliable parking while on the road. These vendors can be found across America, from small towns to cities, and they are answering the needs of hundreds of fleets and commercial truck drivers. Their parking includes easy access, EV charging, gated entry, and 24/7 surveillance. Safety is a critical factor for all drivers, and especially for female, LGBTQ+, and minority drivers while on the road. Access to safe and reliable parking makes it easier for drivers to stay safe, compliant, and provide on-time service to their customers.

The American Trucking Association found that there were 331 billion miles traveled by single-unit and combination trucks just two years ago. That’s 331 billion miles away from the comfort of home, sometimes from family, and always behind the wheel requiring the highest level of attention to safety. Healthy options on the road; access to amenities; support services for health, wellness, and mental health; and safe options for parking can make all the difference for truck drivers.  It’s important that America invests in drivers’ health and safety not just so our economy can function properly but because we all deserve to thrive inside and outside of work. It’s important to support the organizations and legislators who advocate for crucial driver resources. Everyday our lives are fueled by the work of truck drivers, so we must invest in fueling them, too!