I think the above picture says it all. Surely there's no way we were born to exist in an environment that just pays us to be there and ask no questions and have no room to grow. Here's the problem I have with all this anyway within the trucking world. This should explain why many people leave the industry and are now leaving the industry at an alarming rate.
1.) Getting paid well.
Most truck drivers do not feel as if they are getting paid well. While most of us do better than the median incomes of most every other occupation the expense of living out on the road can pile up quickly if you don't know how to survive on Top Ramen or have a fridge in the truck.
2.) No one gets mentored hardly at all.
It's been my experience that many of us within and outside of the industry do not even try to mentor those who have less time an experience in the field. Those who do train are often in it for the money and have no other interest than capitalizing on a newbie's work ethic to get the job done. Very few people indeed care about developing someone as a top-notch truck driver. Given the fact that most newbie truck drivers don't last after their first year then the incentive to develop people becomes very low.
3.) Being challenged but in the wrong way.
Instead of challenges that help develop skill, character, work ethic or just all around contribute to a positive educational experience in the trucking world most drivers face challenges that force them to watch their back. This can come in a form of behind-the-back policy changes at the home office, intentional hindrances to driving, interference with job duties and harassment by management, customers and law enforcement. You can't hinder a driver and expect him to succeed.
4.) There is virtually no chance of promotion.
Let's face it, for most drivers this is as good as it's going to get unless the driver gets his own authority and buys his own trucks. Even if one was to land a safety or dispatch position then this will definitely come with a cut in pay (see #1) and a lot of disrespect from fellow drivers. If you happen to be one of the drivers that performs well you can expect to see the a lot more of the truck and less time at home. No one in that office hardly can do what you do.
5.) Drivers aren't involved as much as you would think.
The real experts on the business on the ground level are the drivers and they can tell you more often than not how something should be fixed. Does this happen? Often times not. Some government bureaucrat or insurance executive usually steps into an advisory role to help shape policies which tell us how to do our job even though none of these people can actually do it or even want to do it. The drivers often don't have a voice because they gone away to do the job.
6.) Many drivers do not feel appreciated in the slightest.
Truck driving is a thankless job. You deliver on time and it's business as usual, Whatever. Deliver late and catch the Wrath of God, as if you had control over the fact the state of Wyoming closed I-80 or not. You couldn't help it you were 3 miles behind a 42 car pileup. All the customers want is their freight.
7.) Drivers are not valued as assets.
I don't hear it much anymore but the commonplace view of the driver is that truck drivers are a dime a dozen. You can be replaced and most trucking companies know that for every driver that quits there are 5 more ready for orientation. This is a much the drivers' fault as it is the industry's fault. However if more trucking companies places a value and communicated that value to the driver maybe you'd have more drivers stick around. Pay for the drivers also plays into that equation (again see #1.)
8.) Many truck drivers do not see themselves as being on a mission.
Most drivers view their job as something to do. They aren't aware of the importance the role plays. They are not encouraged to take it seriously enough to view it as a mission. I state it to new drivers like this, if you're hauling parts for Ford and you're late do you really want to be responsible for a potential assembly line shutdown? Most drivers get it. Everyone is counting on their freight and each piece delivered plays a part. Trucking companies should take more time to point this out.
9.) Many drivers are not empowered to do their jobs.
Empowering a driver can start with nothing more than encouraging words and a positive message that what drivers do is extremely important. Sometimes everybody has to be reminded of that.
10.) Every driver in his career will know that trust is an issue amongst drivers.
I heard a safety man once say that no driver can be trusted and that's why his job exists. Over and over there are drivers who call in to report something or update dispatch only to be met with disbelief. It hinders the communication channels to the point that no one want to talk to anyone anymore. If you're treated as a pariah then why would you want to try to communicate?
I hope this enlightens everyone on what we as drivers have to deal with. Hopefully in due time things will get better.
Further reading... Top 10 Reasons Drivers Leave
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