Can love survive the open road? The realities of dating as a trucker

Although one might think that love and trucking don't always go hand in hand, for many truckers they can be compatible, despite the obstacles.

A truck driver’s life comes with advantages many people appreciate: the freedom of the open road, the calm of driving for hours, and a strong sense of independence. However, it also involves certain challenges; among the most significant is the difficulty of maintaining personal relationships while spending so much time on the road.

Although it may seem that love and life on the road do not always go hand in hand, for many truck drivers they can be compatible. Maintaining personal relationships—especially romantic ones—while working in this profession can be complicated, but it is not impossible. Many find love out on the road, while others carry it with them to every destination.

For this reason, in 2023, Risk Strategies conducted a survey to better understand the realities of truck drivers’ love lives, with the goal of broadening the conversation and inspiring new generations of drivers to seek their other half.

Love vs. trucks: main obstacles to a truck driver’s love life

Risk Strategies surveyed 324 truck drivers to explore the challenges and rewards of their romantic lives. The survey revealed that a striking 90% of truck drivers found it difficult to establish and maintain relationships due to the demands of their job. In addition, two out of three drivers had experienced the heartbreak of a breakup caused by the strain their profession placed on their relationship.

According to the survey, the biggest obstacles to truck drivers’ love lives are:

Scheduling conflicts – 41%
Work-related stress – 41%
Lack of trust – 38%
Emotional disconnection – 33%
Lack of communication – 32%

Other obstacles mentioned included time zone differences, boredom, and infidelity. Additionally, more than a quarter of truck drivers described their love lives as lonely and expressed dissatisfaction with them.

However, romance is not entirely lost. Forty-three percent of truck drivers described their love lives as romantic, and nearly three out of five admitted to having had intimate relationships in their trucks—bringing us to the next point.

Truck stops: a place to find love?

The world of the transportation industry is full of surprises, especially for those who are not part of it. Someone who does not understand the responsibilities and sacrifices involved in being a truck driver may find it difficult to commit to a relationship with one. As a result, many truck drivers choose to look for partners the traditional way: directly at truck stops.

According to Risk data, 20% of respondents said they met their current partner at a truck stop, compared to only 11% who were successful through dating apps—showing that the odds nearly double when looking for love on the road. Another 20% reported finding their partner through a friend or acquaintance.

And how do they maintain these relationships? Although Risk’s data dates back to 2023, the reality of the trucking world has not changed significantly in recent years. Drivers today may use new ways to meet their partners; however, the foundations of maintaining a relationship remain timeless, regardless of the industry.

Fifty-three percent of truck drivers keep the spark alive through frequent video calls with their partner, while 45% send gifts when they are away. Additionally, 38% rely on spontaneous visits, and 35% still believe in the magic of handwritten letters sent by mail.

Staying connected from afar: strategies for maintaining a relationship as a truck driver

Approximately three out of four truck drivers say that being in a long-distance relationship has improved their communication skills. As a result, nearly half of respondents stated that communication is the most important tool for keeping love alive. These are the most commonly used strategies among truck drivers to maintain a healthy long-distance relationship:

Regular communication – 49%
Planning time together – 46%
Sharing hobbies, even from a distance – 45%
Trust-building exercises – 44%
Meditation – 38%
Sharing real-time location – 31%
Therapy or counseling – 25%
Celebrating special occasions in person or virtually – 18%

On average, surveyed truck drivers spend eight hours per week communicating with their loved ones, but only 11 days per month physically together.

Despite the challenges, they believe the strategies mentioned above are key to making a long-distance relationship work. Ultimately, it all comes down to the willingness and commitment to put in the necessary effort.

Love at first truck: trucker’s love stories

13 de February de 2026 No Comments

To celebrate love, we have gathered truckers’ love stories that show how feelings can cross highways —literally— and remain strong despite obstacles. Love is one