Truck drivers are often under a significant amount of stress due to the demands of their job. They are responsible for transporting goods across long distances and delivering them on time, which can require them to work long hours, sometimes without adequate breaks or rest. Additionally, truck drivers may face a variety of challenges on the road, such as traffic, bad weather, and accidents.
In a recent interview with CBC News, Dave Earle, the president of the BC Trucking Association, stated that truck drivers are “under more stress than they’ve ever been.” Earle noted that drivers are working longer hours and facing greater pressure to deliver goods quickly, which is taking a toll on their mental health and well-being.
“The median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in the United States was $47,130 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.”
A study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that truck drivers have a higher risk of developing obesity, diabetes, and hypertension compared to the general population. Truck drivers have long been the backbone of the transportation industry, ensuring that goods are delivered to their destination in a timely and efficient manner.
One of the main sources of stress for truck drivers is the pressure to meet deadlines. This can be especially challenging when dealing with unexpected delays or traffic, which can cause them to fall behind schedule and potentially lose income. Additionally, truck drivers may be required to drive during the night, which can disrupt their sleep patterns and lead to fatigue and exhaustion.
Other stresses for truck drivers include the shortage of truck parking spaces. With many rest stops and truck stops closed due to the pandemic, drivers are often forced to park their trucks on the side of the road or in industrial areas, which can be unsafe and stressful. According to a survey by the American Transportation Research Institute, the top concerns of truck drivers in 2021 included the shortage of drivers, the parking shortage, and the hours-of-service regulations.
“The turnover rate for truck drivers in the United States was 94% in 2020, according to the American Trucking Associations.”
The trucking industry is also facing a shortage of drivers, which has further exacerbated the stress on those who are currently working in the industry. According to a report from the Canadian Trucking Alliance, there is currently a shortage of approximately 20,000 truck drivers across the country. This shortage has led to increased competition for available jobs and higher workloads for those who are already working in the industry.
Those in the industry have been trying their best to stay healthy by working out at times when they can fit it in. Changing diets and fewer truckers smoking means there are some drivers getting healthier but we need to continue to talk about the stressors of our truckers.
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