In 2019, 37.9 million trucks were registered and used for business purposes, accounting for 23.9% of all trucks registered. As a result, truck drivers can take their pick from numerous quality trucking businesses.
However, truck driving companies and employees often share their complaints about the industry and how business is handled. Read on to learn about the main issues trucking companies and truck drivers face.
Warning Signs of a Mismanaged Trucking Company
Here is how to tell if a trucking company is not up to par with the industry demands.
- Low-paying freight. When a company’s operating costs exceed its revenue, it’s a sign that the management is either failing to correctly price the goods or services it offers – or is spending too much on those goods and services. The company is bound to fail if its management does not have a firm grasp of market conditions and standard industry rates.
- Lack of cash inflow. The causes for a negative cash flow include but are not limited to a lack of customers, insufficient business generation, low-paying freight, high operating costs, etc.
- Lackluster administration. Many small businesses fail because of management and poor financial or accounting practices.
- Non-compliance. You won’t have to worry about a trucking company as long as they strictly adhere to compliance and promote safe driving. Plans for driver safety and compliance with the law, drug-free policies, and regular training ensure that everyone on the road is well-informed and prepared.
- Do-it-yourself transportation service. You can’t start a trucking company with just drivers and vehicles. Spreading the word and keeping things afloat requires the help of accountants, safety managers, and marketers. It’s not uncommon for a small business to employ a few people who can do a little bit of everything, such as a safety manager, who is also a social media guru.
Main Issues Truck Drivers Face
The job of a professional truck driver has always had its challenges, just like any other profession. Unfortunately, trucking companies cannot solve all issues at hand, so drivers are left to their own devices. We list some of the key problems truck drivers face below.
Driver Shortage
There is an obvious deficiency in the number of qualified truck drivers. A wide range of factors is fueling this issue. For example, there is a shortage of qualified drivers because:
- More truckers are 55 or older
- Working conditions are unsatisfactory
- Wages are low
- New and stricter regulations, drug tests, and policies are in the works
- There isn’t enough time off for employees
Hours of Service
The maximum time a driver may be on duty – including their driving time and the frequency and length of rest periods – are referred to as “hours of service.” These hours are designed to keep drivers in tip-top shape while on the road. There are a lot of rules and guidelines drivers have to adhere to avoid getting in trouble; otherwise, they risk paying a fee.
Delay and Retention at Customer Premises
Truck drivers’ wait times at terminals have risen steadily over the previous few years. Driver detention occurs when a driver is delayed at either the point of pickup or delivery – and for a more extended period than initially planned. Wasting time, in this case, causes truck drivers to lose their next load and miss arriving at their next pit stop in time. Unfortunately, this might also cause the driver to exceed their legal driving limit and be fined.
Health Issues
Truck drivers are notoriously unhealthy because of their poor diets and the lack of healthy food and sleep available on the road. These are some of the most common health problems faced by truck drivers:
- Skeleton and muscle issues
- Lung cancer
- Obesity
- Dehydration
- Hypertension
- Sleep apnea
- Stress
Sleep Deprivation
It is typical for commercial drivers to log long hours behind the wheel. Sleep deprivation can be caused by many things, including driving late at night, logging long miles, or sitting in the car for three hours or more. As a result, drivers’ attention wanders easily, and they have trouble focusing on the road. This makes for a slower reaction and causes drivers to get into accidents when hitting the brakes or switching lanes.
Not Enough Time Spent at Home
In general, truck drivers are away from their families for long periods. As a result, they cannot attend important social events like birthday parties, hangouts, or holidays. In addition, some truck drivers are homesick, which can negatively impact their mental and emotional health, especially if they are on the road longer.
Dealing with Tough Weather
Truckers frequently deal with blizzards and even drive through them before they reach warmer climates. The disruption of travel agendas, followed by the need to reroute and even go around closed highways, can all result from bad weather. A truck driver’s ability to handle adverse weather is essential; however, not many apps are doing their due diligence to inform drivers of potential weather mishaps ahead.
Parking
The need for constant truck parking is a significant hassle for truck drivers. Truck drivers who are unable to locate safe parking options may be forced to risk their safety by driving through their required HOS break time. Due to the immediate occupancy of conventional trucks and rest stops, truck drivers are forced to seek alternative parking options, including deserted lots alongside highways and other potentially hazardous areas.
Take Care of Your Driver’s Rights with the Right Provider
Trucking is a vital industry; weathering unforeseen storms requires strategic thinking and a quality provider. Luckily, lawyers at Truck Drivers Rights handle a series of related cases – from wage and hour violations to workplace injuries and more truck driving issues.
Learn more about our tailored service and visit our website or contact us for further details.