Truck driver

Truck Drivers: The Unsung Heroes of Our Supply Chains

Imagine a world without trucks. No goods reaching stores, no raw materials making their way to factories. Truck drivers are the unsung heroes who keep our supply chains running smoothly. They transport everything from fresh produce and electronics to construction materials and household items. But what exactly does it take to be a truck driver? Let’s dive into the world of these essential workers.

Types of Employment

There are three main types of employment for truck drivers: owner-operators, company drivers, and independent owner-operators. Each type comes with its own set of responsibilities and benefits. Owner-operators have full control over their routes and schedules, while company drivers work under a specific carrier. Independent owner-operators fall somewhere in between, often working as contractors but retaining some ownership.

Job Categories

The job categories for truck drivers are diverse and include auto haulers, boat haulers, dry van drivers, flatbed drivers, LTL (Less Than Truckload) drivers, reefer drivers, local drivers, household goods drivers, and regional drivers. Interstate drivers cover long distances and often work with teams or on tankers. Specialized drivers like tanker drivers transport liquids and dry bulk materials, while vocational drivers operate trucks like tow trucks and dump trucks.

Regulations and Hours of Service

In the European Union, truck drivers are subject to strict regulations regarding their working hours. Drivers’ working hours are regulated by EU No 561/2006, with nonstop driving time not exceeding 4.5 hours followed by a break of at least 45 minutes. Daily driving time should not exceed 9 hours, except for an additional 1 hour up to 10 hours twice a week. Weekly driving time shall not exceed 56 hours, and in a fortnight, drivers may not exceed 90 hours of driving.

In the United States, commercial drivers are limited to 11 cumulative hours driving in a 14-hour period. Drivers may not work more than 70 hours within 8 consecutive days. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates electronic on-board recorders (EOBRs), with carriers not under FMCSA exemptions required to use them.

Pay and Mileage

Truck drivers are paid in various methods, including salary, hourly wage, base rate per mile or load, and piecework with additional pay. Piecework rates include payment per stop, delivery, tailgating, or unload. Paying by the mile has its advantages but also disadvantages as it may not directly relate to effort or time required.

Mileage calculations vary between carriers, with some using hub miles (odometer miles) and others using short miles (shortest distance between two zip codes). Short miles are typically 10% less than actual miles and can be significantly shorter in cases where routes avoid obstacles such as mountains, canyons, or truck-prohibited roads.

Driver Licensing

In the United States, a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required for vehicles exceeding 26,000 pounds. The CDL has various classes and associated licensing and operational requirements. Class A covers any combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed exceeds 10,000 pounds. Class B covers any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not exceeding 10,000 pounds GVWR.

Truck driver problems include unpaid work time and the industry’s ongoing shortage of trained long-haul truck drivers. Long working hours, image crisis, and low pay are contributing factors to this shortage. Employee turnover in the long-haul trucking industry is extremely high, with an estimated 63,000 drivers expected to be needed by 2018.

Health and Safety

Truck driver fatigue is a significant issue, causing impaired performance due to lack of sleep, long work hours, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and general stress. Research shows that many truck drivers suffer from undiagnosed sleep disorders and experience cognitive deficits, fatigue, and excessive daytime sleepiness due to sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality.

Obesity is another major concern among truckers, with 86% being overweight or obese. Lack of exercise and unhealthy eating patterns contribute significantly to this issue. The Department of Transportation’s Hours of Service regulations limit driving time but long haul drivers often exceed these limits, leading to daytime sleepiness and night disturbances associated with obesity.

Conclusion

The life of a truck driver is complex and demanding, filled with challenges that few other professions face. From navigating strict regulations to dealing with the physical and mental tolls of long hours on the road, these drivers are truly the backbone of our economy. As we continue to rely more heavily on transportation for goods and services, it’s crucial that we recognize and support the hard work and dedication of truck drivers.