Workplace stress in truck drivers: a reality on the road

Chronic stress is a significant long-term health risk factor, and it is a problem that truck drivers face daily on the roads.

According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, approximately 65% of American workers rate their job as a significant source of stress. The World Health Organization reports that 83% of U.S. workers experience work-related stress. However, this phenomenon is not limited to offices and other traditional work environments, as truck drivers also experience high levels of stress.

A survey conducted by CCJ in collaboration with Lytx, a video telematics provider, revealed that truck drivers rated their daily stress level with an average of 5.1 on a scale of 1 to 10. However, fleet managers have a different perspective and believe that drivers are more stressed than they actually report, with 18% rating truckers’ stress at level 10, while only 3% of drivers rated it this high.

Stress, even at moderate levels, can trigger various physical and mental conditions. Among the truck drivers surveyed, 42% reported suffering from hypertension, 21% from depression, 22% from anxiety, and 22% experienced obesity or stress-related weight gain. Age also plays an important role in work-related stress.

What is Causing Truck Drivers’ Stress?

In addition to the routine challenges of the profession, CCJ Digital identified several key issues that increase stress levels in truck drivers. One of the most notable is the constant shortage of truck parking spaces. This issue is one of the most significant, with 46% of respondents citing it. It’s not just about the lack of spaces but also the restrictions that prohibit truck parking on public roads, as drivers point out. Additionally, the cost of parking must be covered by the drivers themselves.

Another major stressor for truck drivers, which adds additional pressure to their trips, is traffic congestion. Traffic jams not only represent an economic loss but also a huge waste of time, often resulting in delays for drivers, which can lead to the loss of commissions or additional income. In other words, traffic consumes fuel, reduces available working hours, and, in some cases, jeopardizes delivery deadlines.

Stress is also related to sector regulations. One example is the imposition of ELDs (Electronic Logging Devices), which require drivers to stop when their driving time is up, even if they haven’t found a suitable parking spot. This causes frustration among drivers, who argue that these regulations do not take their personal experience or environmental conditions into account.

How to Cope with Stress? Tips for Truck Drivers

To mitigate stress, some drivers suggest focusing on what is under their control. Reducing tension by focusing solely on their own actions and not others’, as well as accepting that the job is ever-changing and new challenges can arise daily. Stress is a widespread issue in road transportation that not only affects workers’ health but also impacts the efficiency and general well-being of the industry.

Here are some brief tips that can improve your daily routine, reducing work-related stress:

Maintain a Healthy Routine – Regular physical activity along with a balanced diet are key strategies for overall well-being, contributing to stress reduction.
Communication and Community – Build community with other truck drivers going through similar situations and stay in touch with family and loved ones.
Effective Time Management – Proper time management and effective scheduling of driving hours can alleviate concerns.
Breathing Exercises – Breathing plays a crucial role when emotions are heightened. Controlling your breath is essential to signal your body to calm down.