Is truck driving stressful?

A 2019 survey by CareerCast rated the trucking profession as one of the highest stress jobs in America. We were kind of surprised to see that the survey ranked truck driving as more stressful than professions in masonry, welding and food service.

Why is truck driving stressful?

From making sure that their vehicle is in tip-top shape, to managing their hours correctly, making deadlines, getting enough sleep, safely operating the truck, and navigating legal and regulatory hurdles, truck driving can be about as stressful a job as there is.

Is being a truck driver hard?

For a lot of experienced drivers, what makes the job hard is the stress. From dealing with the motoring public to keeping track of hours of service to making it on time to a customer, truck drivers have a lot to juggle.

Is being a truck driver depressing?

In comparison, 13.6% of truck drivers suffer from some level of depression, a drastic difference from the rest of the population. It's something we need to pay attention to and be aware of the signs of depression as professional drivers.

What is the hardest part of being a truck driver?

Is truck driving hard? Advice for new drivers and ways to relieve stress

Why do truck drivers quit?

There are many individuals with the training and skills needed to fill these truck driving job positions. But due to low pay and less than desirable working conditions, many are leaving the industry, in search of a better career.

Is being a truck driver fun?

Yes, being a truck driver is fun.

Truck drivers get to experience the thrill of seeing a place for the first time and meeting interesting strangers. Taking to the open road-ready for the next adventure.

Do truck drivers suffer from anxiety?

For example, in Shattell's 2010 study, more than 75 percent of drivers reported multiple physical health problems such as pain, hypertension and diabetes. Only 19 percent of truckers acknowledged mental health issues including stress and anxiety.

Are truckers lonely?

But like all jobs, with the benefits of truck driving, you also have to deal with the downsides of this industry. Loneliness is a major problem for lots of truck drivers—just take a look at posts on trucking forums.

Why do truck drivers get depressed?

Depression is often associated with stress and anxiety, so a stressful work environment can put employees at a greater risk. Long-haul truck drivers are vulnerable to depression due to the high demands of their job, including: Extended periods of time away from family and friends. Long hours.

How is the life of a truck driver?

Driving Limits: Truck drivers typically work up to 70 hours within an eight-day period. Most aren't allowed to drive more than this. After 70 hours in a truck driver's workweek, drivers must take a mandatory 34 hours off.

Is trucking a good career?

While the job market can be volatile, trucking is a great career, especially when the market is hot and your business is running on all cylinders. Whether you have considered it before or not, professional truck driving as an owner-operator or with a carrier might be a great professional fit for you.

Is truck driving a good career for a woman?

Although the number of men in this profession outweighs the number of women, that doesn't mean truck driving is a man's job. In fact, trainers and instructors often say that women are some of the best truck drivers on the road.

Are truck drivers happy?

At CareerExplorer, we conduct an ongoing survey with millions of people and ask them how satisfied they are with their careers. As it turns out, truck drivers rate their career happiness 2.7 out of 5 stars which puts them in the bottom 10% of careers.

How do truck drivers relax?

Listening to some of your favorite music, a podcast or an audiobook can help take your mind off a stressful driving situation. Tuning into something that is interesting or stimulating can help focus your mind and relieve tension. Music can also help a great deal.

How many miles do truckers drive a week?

Average truck driver pay per mile is between 28 and 40 cents per mile. Most drivers complete between 2,000 and 3,000 miles per week.

Do truck drivers get bored?

To the outsider, boredom is one of the many things surely taken for granted in a truck driver's life. Sitting behind the wheel, lugging an oversized load, and sticking to the same routes all the time while trying to stick to a schedule can only mean mind-numbing monotony.

Do truck drivers get PTSD?

Another factor that causes a lot of drivers to experience PTSD or anxiety is the day-to-day events that happen on the road. The longer you've been in the industry, the higher your chances are of experiencing an accident.

How often do truck drivers go home?

Getting your CDL can help you set the course for a rewarding career, but most people new to the industry ask, “How often do truckers come home?” The answer depends on a lot of factors, including the type of freight you're hauling, your contract with your employer, but long-haul drivers typically come home every four to ...

What can truckers take for anxiety?

The commonly prescribed cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) is allowed if the driver does not show any sedating side effects. Also, nearly all antidepressants are allowed, barring uncommon first-generation medications such as TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) and MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors).

Is trucking good for social anxiety?

For those who like to drive and also tend to be socially anxious, trucking driving is a great option.

Can truck drivers take anxiety meds?

Talk with your MD and explain that you are a commercial OTR driver. That way the doctor can work out which, out of dozens of medications, will work best and not interfere with your ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Most of the anxiety meds do not run positive for drug testing.

How can a trucker wife survive?

What is the average age of a truck driver?

The average age of an employed Commercial Truck Driver is 48 years old. The most common ethnicity of Commercial Truck Drivers is White (63.0%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (18.1%) and Black or African American (13.0%). The majority of Commercial Truck Drivers are located in AZ, Phoenix and NE, Omaha.

Is driving a truck harder than a car?

In general, large trucks are a little bit harder to drive than cars. This is because they are simply larger. Plus, they tend to sit up higher—so as a driver, you do too. Once you get used to driving a truck, however, it will become much easier.