What are the changes in trucking?

Any number of words have been dedicated to writing about the problems in the trucking industry, as well as the difficulties for the drivers themselves. I don’t need to list them here. If you’ve been in trucking for any length of time, you already know these blemishes. That said, what are the positive industry changes for truck drivers?

It’s now much easier to find a job. With a driver shortage that’s only going to get worse in the next 5 years, the opportunities – and pay, are better now that they have been in a while.

It’s safer to be on the road. There has been a crackdown on unsafe trucks, as well as drivers. While we can’t speak to the four wheelers, we do know truck and driver safety has gotten better.

Truck stops are doing a better job of catering to the needs of their customers. From fresh fruit and salad bars, to real grocery stores, they’re beginning to respond to your needs as a driver.

Equipment lasts longer. Even with longer maintenance cycles, todays equipment is much more reliable that those parts of yesteryear. Not just better engineering, but better tires, fuels and lubes make our equipment less prone to breakdown than before. Additionally, more training for owners on proper maintenance seems to be making a big difference.

Electronics makes your life as a trucker easier. From e-logs, to GPS and Skyping with the family, electronics allow us to better manage life on the road. Smart phones also give you communication, and application options that weren’t available, even a few years back.

There are lots of other changes, but these are the big ones in the industry. The real question remains; what modifications would you like to see in the industry?