Trucker Report Forum (2024)

FAQs

What is the biggest issue in trucking? ›

You may not be able to tell, but America is in desperate need of truckers. "Right now, we're in a shortage of 80,000 truck drivers and if we're going to keep going down the same trajectory, by the year 2030, it's expected to be 160,000," said Haley Fenton of Western Pacific Truck School.

An Isolated Environment. One challenging aspect of being a truck driver is the prolonged periods of isolation. Truck drivers can spend weeks away from their families and loved ones. This solitude, while peaceful for some, can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnect for many.

Large trucks and buses have huge blind spots around the front, back, and sides of the vehicle. If you can't see the driver in the truck's side mirror, assume that the driver can't see you. Don't drive in a blind spot – slow down or move ahead to stay visible. Be particularly careful when merging near a truck or bus.

Burnout impacts drivers' personal life, health, and job performance. It can also cause them to quit. Research into the link between burnout and turnover in trucking generally analyzes three dimensions of burnout: overwhelming exhaustion, feelings of cynicism, and inefficacy.

Will the trucking industry get better in 2024? If not by fall 2024, most trucking industry forecasts report the market is due to improve for carriers by spring 2025. Not quickly or all at once, but it's on the way to recovery.

“We have high inflation, we have decreased freight demand, we have rising operational costs, and we have fuel prices as the No. 3 issue.” Trucking total marginal costs hit a new high in 2022 after 21.3% to $2.251 per mile, according to ATRI's 2023 Operation Costs of Trucking report.

Self-driving technology won't endanger truck driver's role, developers say. Those who become truck drivers today could retire as truck drivers in 40 or 50 years, according to industry experts. Job requirements, however, are expected to change significantly as Level 4 automation is adopted.

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.

Truck drivers can experience sore muscles because of long hours spent driving. While the lack of places for truck drivers to exercise can lead to obesity, it also keeps them from adequately moving and stretching their muscles, leading to more soreness and stiffness.

Why is being a trucker so hard? ›

For some, the long hours are the hardest. For others, it's being away from family and friends for days and even weeks on end. Learning how to drive a truck is a challenge for many new drivers. Backing up a 53-foot trailer or learning to shift and double-clutch are skills that take time.

# 1: DRY VAN DRIVERS

They carry all kinds of freight – from non-perishable goods to factory parts. Dry van trucks are easy to drive, and often, the drivers don't have to unload the trucks themselves.

Always give trucks room and never cut too close in front of them. Even in ideal conditions and with their large breaking systems, a truck can weigh substantially more than a car so it takes more time and distance for it to slow down and come to a stop. It's okay to pass a truck or bus, but do it safely.

At 55mph on dry pavement with good brakes it can take a heavy vehicle about 170 feet to stop. This takes about 4 1/2 seconds. TOTAL STOPPING DISTANCE: At 55mph it will take about six seconds to stop and your vehicle will travel about the distance of a football field, 290 feet.

Truck drivers have no rear-view mirror to look through, so they have to rely heavily on their side-view mirrors. This blind spot extends nearly 200 feet from the back of the truck. Driving in this area also blocks your vision of what's ahead and decreases your reaction time if a truck stops suddenly.

The U.S. is facing a massive truck driver shortage. Trucking companies are currently down about 60,000 drivers, and estimates suggest that the shortage could reach over 160,000 by 2028. This problem doesn't just impact the trucking industry and consumers.

Obesity: The CDC reported that truck drivers are twice as likely to deal with obesity compared to other industries. Not only can this lead to health issues, but it can also hinder your ability to pass the mandatory DOT physical.

High overhead costs: Trucking companies often face high overhead costs, such as insurance, licensing, and compliance fees. Companies that are unable to keep these costs in check may find it difficult to remain profitable.

The freight industry has been in recession for more than a year, hampered by overcapacity and lower demand for goods after people shifted to spending on services and entertainment after being cooped up during the pandemic.