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In an earlier blog, we highlighted some of the most exciting benefits of being a truck driver so today we want to look at the more stressful side.

If you’re interested in becoming a trucker, then you need to be familiar with all aspects of the job — the good, the bad and the ugly.

The Stressful Side of Truck Driving

  1. Roadside Assistance: As a trucker, you understand that your truck is more sensitive to certain situations that would otherwise be considered minor to other drivers on the road. Additionally, there will be times, whether it’s a slip off the road or an accident, where you’ll have to wait on roadside assistance to make its way to you, and it won’t be fun.
  2. Other Drivers: You may have taken all the classes possible, driven for decades, and have never been in an accident, but other drivers on the road is what you have to worry about. Many cars and pickups don’t seem to know how to drive around big rigs, and it can be extra stressful when you are also dealing with traffic or poor weather conditions.
  3. Being Flexible: It may not seem like a challenge, but if you have a hard time changing plans or straying away from your routine being a truck driver may be stressful. Sometimes deadlines, weather, traffic, construction, etc. will require you to make changes on the fly.
  4. Irregular Sleep: Newbies to the industry can attest to this harsh reality of trucking. Adjusting your sleeping patterns to stay in line with regulations and ensuring you’re getting the rest you need to do a safe job can be challenging.
  5. Being Away from Home: Ask any trucker the hardest part of the job, and being away from family and home will be in the top 3 answers. Being away from home and loved ones, missing special events and holidays is stressful and can take a toll on drivers. However, implementing routines and utilizing technology like Skype, FaceTime, and voice messages will allow you to stay connected.

While some growing pains are to be expected, remember with more experience and planning, the easier the job can be. Practicing safe driving, good planning, and adhering to regulations will ensure you and your truck loads are safe on the road and hopefully remove some of the daily stressors you’ll likely encounter.

Some helpful tips include maintaining hobbies while on the road, eating healthy and making time for exercise, enjoying your time at home, and keeping a positive attitude. Whether you’re just getting into the career, or you’ve been around for decades we have some helpful resources over at our blog.

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