A leading online freight marketplace says its recent survey of truckers found:
- 96% said they feel their job is appreciated, perhaps more so during the challenging times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic
- 56% feel proud to deliver essential goods and services to fellow Americans
Truckstop.com surveyed 500 truckers and presented its findings as part of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which continues through Saturday, Sept. 18.
The survey also found that being a professional driver in 2021 is not without its concerns. Truckstop.com's survey found:
- 51% said they felt concerned about bringing the virus home to their families
- 44% faced uncertainty on how changing restrictions would interrupt their job
- 25% said the greatest hardship of being a truck driver is being on the road for long hours and/or days at a time
- 22% said the greatest hardship was trying to find parking/lodging
Despite some challenges, truckers said their profession allows them to achieve a desired lifestyle of living on the road:
- 57% of drivers take advantage of the long periods of time they can spend at home with their loved ones
- 63% said a flexible schedule is the main attraction to the profession
- 54% said they were attracted to trucking by the pay
- 53% view being a truck driver as a reliable second job to increase their income
- 45% said they've always wanted to pursue a career in trucking
- 37% said they have continued their family businesses
The survey also found several changes in the profession over the last five years:
- 62% said there is more ethnic diversity among fellow drivers
- 60% said there is more gender diversity
- 59% said there is more diversity in the age of truckers
