Jun 29, 2023

Truckers And Their July 4th Plans

Truckers And Their July 4th Plans

We surveyed Trucker Path users on what their plans were for July 4th. Here’s what they told us.

Least Available Truck Parking By Region

May 02, 2023

Survey Reveals Truckers Just as Happy Today As a Year Ago <p>Trucker Path’s recent survey revealed surprising truths about truck drivers’ current state of happiness and job satisfaction. </p> <p>In a March 2023 survey of Trucker Path app users, owner-operators and company drivers were asked 10 questions whether they were making as much money, working as many hours and experiencing as much job satisfaction as they were a year ago. </p> <p>With freight rates low, fuel prices still high and trucking regulations on the rise, we were expecting responses ranging from bad to really bad. </p> <p>Boy, were we surprised. The picture painted by their responses is a clear contrast to the doom and gloom pundits were pushing toward the end of 2022. Granted, it’s not all flat grade and open road ahead. But judging by truckers’ responses, it doesn’t look like we’re headed off a cliff, either. </p> <p><strong>Truckers Report Earning the Same Pay Today</strong> </p> <p>Driver compensation was the number three issue for drivers that was revealed in the 2022 American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) Top Industry Issues report. Additionally, DAT reports that dry van spot rates dropped 28% from March 2022 to March 2023. Nevertheless, over 65% of respondents in the Trucker Path survey report making anywhere from about the same amount of money to much more money now. </p> <p><a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q5-New-2.png"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q5-New-2.png" alt="" width="500" height="325" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7178" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Drivers Say They’re Working the Same Hours in 2023</strong> </p> <p>Hours of Service (HOS) has made ATRI’s top 10 list of industry issues in 8 of the last 10 years. Despite perennial complaints about HOS restrictions limiting their ability to work, drivers in the survey say they aren’t lacking for driving time today. Over half report driving about the same amount of hours as a year ago. Over 80% say they are driving the same or more. </p> <p><a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q4-New.png"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q4-New.png" alt="" width="524" height="352" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7180" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Truckers’ Job Satisfaction and Job Happiness Steady</strong> </p> <p>As pressures on the job mount, truckers make peace with conditions, clearly indicating their moods are not following the trajectory of freight rates. Regardless of major challenges like truck parking, fuel prices, speed limiters and HOS rules, almost 75% report being either about the same or better when it comes to happiness. </p> <p><a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q6-New.png"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q6-New.png" alt="" width="531" height="327" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7181" /></a> </p> <p>The same with job satisfaction: almost 75% of respondents say their jobs are just as satisfying or more so than they were last year. </p> <p>Here are some of the reasons truckers gave for their happiness and job satisfaction: </p> <p><em>“It’s been a good profitable year for me so far.”</em> </p> <p><em>“This job gives me the opportunity to support my family.”</em> </p> <p><em>“Truckers are always learning, every day.”</em> </p> <p><a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q8-New.png"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q8-New.png" alt="" width="489" height="329" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7182" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Truckers Polled Indicate a Desire to Stay Put </strong></p> <p>Trucker Path’s survey suggests the great reshuffle might be slowing. Carriers competing for driver recruits have made for a very fluid job market in recent years. Not to long ago it was common for drivers to jump ship for better rates, signing bonuses and the promise of better hours or lanes. In the Trucker Path survey, less than half said they looked for a job in the last six months. </p> <p><a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q7-New.png"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q7-New.png" alt="" width="510" height="304" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7183" /></a> </p> <p><strong>The Truckers Looking for Jobs Are Likely to Stay in Trucking</strong> </p> <p>Almost 50% of respondents in the Trucker Path survey who said they looked for a job within the last six months indicated they were looking for a job within the trucking industry. That’s good news for the industry which is still short 78,000 drivers by last ATA estimate. </p> <p><a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Career-New.png"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Career-New.png" alt="" width="502" height="304" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7184" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Truckers as Optimistic as Can Be Expected</strong> </p> <p>America’s tough and talented truck drivers aren’t exactly the types to come out and say the future looks bright. They have their eyes on the road and the job ahead. For that reason, it’s always good to adjust trucker’s comments up a little for deflation. </p> <p>In other words, when over 54% of truckers polled say 2023 will be about the same or better than 2022, you can deduce that things aren’t so bad—and certainly better than expected. </p> <p>Here’s what that means from the mouths of truckers: </p> <p><em>“I believe that truckers are sticking together more and the ones that don’t want to are leaving the industry.”</em> </p> <p><em>“Fuel prices should drop slightly. The rate of inflation should also drop slightly. Spare parts for vehicle repairs and other equipment repairs should become more widely available reducing downtime for maintenance.”</em> </p> <p><em>“Work is there. You just need to know how to play the game.”</em> </p> <p><a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q9-New.png"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q9-New.png" alt="" width="518" height="329" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7185" /></a> </p> <p>Your friends at Trucker Path are here to help you play the game—to win—with industry-leading solutions that help you rule the road and run your business profitably. <strong><a href="http://truckerpath.com">Check out all that we offer for drivers, owner-operators and fleets here.</a></strong></a> </p>

May 24, 2023

The Importance of Health Insurance for Truck Drivers <p>Medical insurance is important and something that everyone should have, especially truck drivers. Many drivers and fleet companies have truck insurance, which covers the trucks and drivers in the case of accidents, fire, theft, and damages to other trucks. However, many companies may not offer their truckers medical insurance, which covers health, dental, vision, and other coverage for the driver and their families. </p> <p>It is important for truck drivers to have health insurance coverage right from the get-go. Besides being a necessity for most individuals, it’s especially critical for truck drivers considering the many health impacts that they are more likely to develop due to the nature of their occupation. </p> <p><strong>Different health impacts faced by truck drivers</strong> </p> <p><strong>1. Obesity</strong> </p> <p>Obesity is one of the major health concerns faced by truck drivers, as they are <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/truck/health.html">twice as likely</a> to be obese compared to other US workers. One cause is the lack of healthy food choices while on the road (we all deal with today’s huge fast-food culture). The lack of proper exercise is also another contributing factor. Truck drivers often have a sedentary lifestyle as they’re stuck in their seat for most of their day and lack the time for regular exercise. Being obese can also lead to many other related health issues, such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. </p> <p><strong>2. Respiratory issues</strong> </p> <p>The culture of smoking is extremely prevalent amongst truck drivers; they are <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/truck/health.html">twice as likely</a> to smoke compared to other US workers. Many truck drivers pick up smoking as they feel it helps them fight fatigue and boredom on the road. Combined with their continuous exposure to diesel exhaust fumes while driving, truck drivers are very likely to develop lung cancer and other respiratory issues. </p> <p><strong>3. Sleep disorders and chronic fatigue</strong> </p> <p>Truck drivers often have irregular sleep schedules due to their jobs. Their driving schedules often change depending on weather conditions and traffic. They also face tight deadlines for their deliveries, often requiring late nights or early mornings. This impacts their rest and can lead to chronic fatigue in the long run. Furthermore, the inconsistency of their sleep schedules can also lead to sleep disorders including insomnia and, when coupled with obesity, sleep apnea. </p> <p><strong>Importance of health insurance for truck drivers</strong> </p> <p>Being away from home more times than not and constantly being on road makes it difficult for truck drivers to schedule regular doctor appointments to check up on their health. Furthermore, many of those without employer health insurance believe it is too expensive and can’t fit it in their budget, thinking they will put it off for another time in the future. In many cases, drivers wait too long to get their health issues checked and get stuck with expensive medical bills. </p> <p>With proper medical insurance which covers health, dental, and vision, truck drivers can be more comfortable going to the doctor to get checked when they experience any medical issues. Having insurance encourages truck drivers to take care of their health and can reduce the number of accidents that may occur on the road. </p> <p>Furthermore, for truck drivers, their job stability is quite dependent on their health; if they get a medical condition that impacts their ability to drive, they may lose their job or income. With proper health insurance, truck drivers can be more encouraged to keep up with their wellbeing and ensure they are healthy enough to keep driving and maintaining their livelihood. </p> <p>Business solutions, such as <a href="https://go.tafs.com/l/166742/2022-09-02/5gdg55">factoring</a> and <a href="https://www.atbs.com/trucker-path">accounting</a>, are important for truckers to have, but medical insurance and their health should be a priority. Trucker Path recently announced a partnership with nationally licensed insurance company Smart and Simple Insurance Development (SASid). This <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucker-path-and-sasid-partner-to-offer-reduced-rate-insurance/">partnership</a> aims to make the lives of American truck drivers easier by bringing them a range of affordable insurance options. </p> <p>For affordable health insurance options for truckers, <a href="https://www.smartandsimple.com/partners/trucker-path/">click here</a>. </p>

Apr 05, 2023