Driving Mental Health: Why It Matters for Truckers

Long-haul trucking is as mentally demanding as it is essential. Truckstop’s research finds that 88% of drivers report moderate or high job stress – a clear sign of how intense life on the road can be. Yet 84% of drivers still say they’re satisfied with their job. This contrast shows how dedicated drivers are even under pressure.

Everyone wins when drivers are healthy and alert: healthy drivers make better decisions, stay safer on the road, and enjoy longer careers. Driver mental wellness is not just a nice-to-have; it’s critical for drivers’ and their families’ safety, satisfaction, and quality of life.

The real pressures truckers face in 2024

Even driving among beautiful backdrops, truckers face harsh realities. Long hours and isolation are daily challenges. Many drivers spend days away from home, and tight schedules leave little time off. It’s no surprise that surveys show 28% of drivers feel lonely on the road. Eating healthy and staying fit are difficult, too. Parking and time constraints make finding nutritious food challenging (43% of drivers cite parking as a barrier, leading to 36% of drivers mainly relying on fast food for meals). Likewise, fatigue from driving (52%) and lack of time (48%) or facilities make exercise difficult. Even so, 90% manage at least one weekly workout, showing it can be done.

On top of these day-to-day struggles, the industry demands more in 2024. Carriers report:

• Long, lonely shifts: Tight deadlines and long hours can wear on any driver.
• Diet and fitness hurdles: 43% of drivers say lack of parking or time keeps them from eating well, so many rely on fast food. More than half cite fatigue as a barrier to exercise (though 90% still find time for some workout each week).
• Heavier workload: In 2023, carriers drove 3,000+ extra miles and ran two extra loads per month, often with about 17% of those miles unpaid deadheading.
• Higher costs and risks: 60% of carriers point to insurance hikes as a major headache, and the industry is on high alert for fraud and theft.

This means drivers and carriers are working harder and facing more pressure than ever.

Information Overload Adds to the Stress

In addition to the physical and financial pressures of the job, many drivers also deal with information fatigue. With changes in tariffs, fuel prices, inflation, and economic uncertainty, truckers are expected to stay on top of a fast-moving, complicated industry, often while juggling ten other things on the road.

New trade regulations and shifting tariffs can impact rates and lane profitability, while headlines about inflation or fuel costs add stress without clear answers. Even well-meaning tools and apps can contribute to mental overload when they present too much data without clear action steps. Undoubtedly, many drivers feel overwhelmed by the pressure to make the “right” decision at every turn.

For many, that means decision fatigue: Should I take this load? Wait for a better rate? Is this lane still profitable with current diesel prices? These aren’t just business choices; they impact stress, rest, and time with family.

Practical tips for truckers’ well-being

Small changes can make a big difference to driver mood and health. Try these strategies on and off the road:

• Stay connected: Call or text family and friends whenever you stop. Sharing a quick chat or video call can beat loneliness. Connecting with fellow drivers also helps; support groups or even a roadside meetup can remind you you’re not alone.
• Move when you can: Use breaks to walk, stretch, or do simple exercises by your truck. Even 5-10 minutes of walking or in-cab stretches can clear your mind. Remember, 90% of drivers fit in at least one workout week, so it’s possible.
• Eat for energy: Plan ahead with healthy snacks and meals. Pack fruit, nuts, yogurt, or sandwiches instead of relying on fast food. Cooking a simple meal in the cab or choosing fresh options at markets when you stop can keep your energy up and your mood steadier.
• Set a sleep routine: Try to rest on a schedule, even with shift changes. Consistent, quality sleep is vital for handling stress. Use your breaks to get comfortable shut-eye and follow any company or FMCSA guidelines for rest.
• Manage stress: Practice deep breathing, meditation, or listen to calming music or podcasts. Most drivers already use music to stay alert. (Truckstop found 72% of drivers listen to tunes on long-hauls.) Find what relaxes you, whether it’s breathing exercises, a favorite song, or a mindfulness app.
• Reach out: If worry or depression creep in, don’t tough it out alone. Talking to a fellow driver or loved one can help. There’s no shame in seeking help: calling a crisis line or chatting with a professional shows strength.
• Simplify where you can: Use trusted tools that surface the most critical insights without burying you in noise. And don’t hesitate to ask for help from dispatchers, other drivers, or support communities. You don’t have to carry the weight of the industry alone.

Resources and support

Sometimes stress feels overwhelming. If that happens, remember professional help is available. Essential resources for drivers (and anyone) include:

• Call or text 988: The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) is available 24/7 for immediate support.
• NAMI HelpLine: The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers a free helpline at 800‑950‑6264 (or text “NAMI” to 62640) for guidance and chat support online.
• St. Christopher Truckers Fund (SCF): A nonprofit that provides financial and emotional support to drivers and families facing illness, injury, or other hardships. (Truckstop proudly donates to SCF to help our drivers in need.)
• Truck Stop Ministries (TMI): This organization offers chaplains, a 24-hour prayer line, Bible studies, and more specifically for truckers. You can call their 24‑Hour Trucker Prayer Line any time for spiritual support.
• Online counseling: Services like Talkspace and BetterHelp connect you with licensed therapists by phone or app. It’s a convenient way to talk with someone, no matter where you’re parked.
• Healthy Trucking (HTA): The Healthy Trucking of America program provides free health education and a 24/7 wellness coach line at 800‑800‑1198 for trucking professionals.
• Mental Health America: Offers free online mental health screenings and resources (see mhanational.org).

You are not alone. Life on the road can be isolating, but support is only a call or click away. Even small steps – a chat with a friend, a healthy snack, or a minute of deep breathing can help keep you going strong.

Truckstop’s commitment to drivers’ wellness

At Truckstop, we see and appreciate all that drivers do every day. Your health and safety are our top priorities. That’s why we partner with industry organizations to support trucker wellness. For example, during Driver Appreciation Week, we made a donation d to the St. Christopher Truckers Fund to help drivers and families in crisis. We continue building tools and community programs so you can haul with confidence and care.

To every truck driver, thank you for your resilience and dedication. You keep our economy moving, and we’re committed to helping you stay healthy behind the wheel and beyond. Take care of yourself, stay connected, and remember that Truckstop is always in your corner.

You’re the real rockstars of the road, and your well-being matters to all of us.