Common Trucking Challenges & How to Overcome Them

Like any job or industry, trucking has its challenges and obstacles that drivers need to overcome. Here are five common issues that all truckers have to face and tips on how to overcome them.

1. Delivery deadlines

The trucking industry is part of the larger transportation industry that fuels the economy. Drivers need to deliver goods on time to meet client expectations, which are driven by consumer demand. But when driving hundreds or thousands of miles, truckers are likely to run into traffic, hazardous road conditions, and distractions that could cost them valuable time. 

Though delivery deadlines are important, drivers should never be put in situations where they have to sacrifice safety for punctuality. Experienced drivers know how to plan ahead for unexpected delays.

2. Distractions while driving

Truck drivers aren’t simply driving from point A to point B, like other commuters, but they’re transporting valuable goods that may be fragile or perishable. Distractions may cause accidents, injuries, and damage to these goods. To reduce the risks posed by distracted driving, truckers should avoid eating while driving, take breaks for meals and rest, and avoid using electronic devices when behind the wheel.

3. Truck maintenance

Both employers and truck drivers carry responsibility for truck maintenance. Drivers are required to perform pre-trip inspections to identify potential issues, while employers are responsible for taking care of important maintenance and repairs in a timely manner. Failure by either party can cause trucks to malfunction, resulting in low performance, expensive repairs, delays, and frustration.

4. Finding parking

If you thought it was hard to find parking driving a passenger vehicle, imagine the challenges of finding a parking spot for an 18-wheeler. Oftentimes drivers will park on the side of the road or at a truck stop while taking a break or spending the night. But it’s the responsibility of employers and warehouse workers to provide drivers with parking when making deliveries and pickups.

5. Prolonged time away from home

Though traveling has its perks, spending long periods of time away from home can cause loneliness. To combat this, truckers should consider reaching out to other drivers working for their employer to form a community. While waiting for a truck to be loaded, reach out to family and friends to pass the time and reconnect. Truck driving doesn’t have to be a lonely profession if you make an effort to be sociable.