TL;DR

• The U.S. trucking industry faces a shortage of 80,000+ drivers, making now a great time to enter the field.
• Life on the road comes with unexpected challenges — breakdowns, traffic, weather, and difficult delivery locations.
• Truckers are often at the mercy of customers, mechanics, regulations, and other drivers, which can cause delays.
• Health is a serious concern — drivers face higher risks of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.
• Despite challenges, trucking can be a rewarding career for those who enjoy the lifestyle and independence.

Based on recent reports, there are currently about 3.6 million commercial truck drivers in the United States. That may sound like a lot, but America is actually experiencing a shortage of drivers at this point. In fact, the industry needs at least 80,000 new drivers right now, and that number is expected to grow in the years to come. Quite a few drivers are retiring, and there’s a high employee turnover rate in this field. On top of that, the demand for commercial drivers is surging.

If you’re thinking of becoming a truck driver, now is a great time to take the plunge. America needs you to help keep manufacturing facilities running and store shelves stocked. That being said, one of the reasons why so many drivers leave the industry and don’t return is that they’re not fully prepared for the life of a trucker when they get started.

With that being the case, consider some of the things they don’t tell drivers before they get their CDL.

Murphy’s Law Applies

One of the first things you should know about being a truck driver is that Murphy’s Law is always in effect. Anything that can go wrong will go wrong. No matter how thorough you are with pre-trip inspections or how well your truck is maintained, breakdowns are bound to happen. Unfortunately, you can’t keep a supply of semi truck parts with you on the road to resolve those issues.

Traffic jams and road construction are on the rise, and there isn’t always a way around them. Some of the places customers expect you to wedge your truck into are barely big enough for a Prius. The weather is always changing too. Those are only a few of the problems you might encounter while you’re on the road.

You’re at Other People’s Mercy

Secondly, you’re at virtually everyone else’s mercy while you’re driving. If a breakdown happens while you’re on a run, you could end up waiting hours for a mechanic to come help. When you get to a pickup or drop-off on time, there’s no guarantee that your load will be ready for you or the customer will be ready to receive your load.

To make matters worse, every delay you experience will put you further and further behind. Regardless, the hours of service regulations are absolute with very few exceptions. You can’t legally switch your ELD to PC mode or log out altogether to make up for lost time or get to a safe place to spend the night when your time runs out.

On top of all that, you’re at the mercy of all the other drivers on the road, and most of them have no respect for others.

Your Health Matters

Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that your health matters. Truck drivers are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. On the other side of that equation, those conditions can also disqualify you from driving commercially if they’re not properly controlled. With all that being the case, you need to be sure to take care of yourself for your sake as well as your loved ones and your career.

Forging Through Life on the Road

Being a truck driver can be a lucrative and rewarding career. It’s the perfect lifestyle for many drivers, and they love it regardless of the hurdles and risks they’re up against for anywhere from 10 to 14 hours virtually every day. Still, there are some things you should be aware of that you won’t learn from driver training and job descriptions.

Those listed here are only a few of the inside secrets you’ll ultimately learn once you obtain your CDL.

FAQ

Why is there a truck driver shortage in the U.S.?

Many drivers are retiring, turnover rates are high, and demand for goods transport is increasing faster than new drivers are entering the field.

What are some common challenges truck drivers face?

Breakdowns, traffic delays, unpredictable weather, tight delivery spaces, and waiting on customers or mechanics are all part of the job.

How do trucking regulations impact a driver’s schedule?

Hours of service rules strictly limit how long a driver can operate without rest, and delays often can’t be made up due to these regulations.

What health risks are common among truck drivers?

Long hours of sitting, irregular sleep, and poor diet options contribute to higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure.

Is trucking still worth it despite the challenges?

Yes, for many. Trucking offers competitive pay, independence, and the satisfaction of keeping the supply chain moving, making it rewarding for the right