It’s difficult to overstate the impact trucking has on the U.S. economy. According to the American Trucking Associations, more than 70 percent of the nation’s freight is moved by trucks. The gross revenues for trucking freight in 2023 were roughly $987 billion. Meanwhile, the industry employs some 3.55 million drivers and 8.5 million people in jobs related to trucking. With business thriving, there’s lots of pressure to get the job done. Balancing trucking and family life can be tricky. These tips can help.
How to Prioritize Family as a Truck Driver
Use Technology
Trucking is rarely a nine-to-five job. Truck drivers regularly spend days or weeks on the road as they complete their routes. In the past, this might have been incredibly isolating. Fortunately, modern technology can make it easier to stay in touch with family members back home. Drivers can use cellphones, tablets, or laptops to call, text, Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime. They can also connect via social media, set up streaming parties to share their favorite movies, or play games together online.
Staying in touch with family and friends while on the road reduces the emotional distance and helps keep connections strong. However, it’s important to do so in ways that don’t interfere with professional responsibilities. Don’t let these activities distract you when driving or keep you from getting enough rest. Also, be mindful of what you’re posting on social media. Always consider the impact it could have on your career.
Communicate
Good communication strengthens any relationship. It’s especially important when one person is frequently absent. When you’re home, make sure you’re having open, honest discussions about what everyone needs to thrive. What support does a partner need? What does a driver need? How do you strike a balance? Check regularly to make sure that everyone’s needs are being met. Also, be available on the road to offer support and maintain connections.
Clear communication should also be a professional goal. Ideally, drivers should feel that they’ll be heard when they reach out about an issue or concern.
Stay Organized
When you’re always on the move, organization is vital. It allows you to make the most of valuable and limited resources, including time, space, and energy. For starters, get in the habit of marking dates that matter on your calendar so that they aren’t overlooked. While you may not be able to be home for every birthday party or major soccer game, you can make sure to recognize special occasions with a call if you’re on the road.
Strong organizational skills can also bring professional benefits. If you have things together, you’ll be more efficient and less stressed, which can lead to better performance and more opportunities. As your career advances, it’s easier to look for schedules and routes that suit your personal preferences without sacrificing pay or benefits.
Be Present
When your time is divided between long stretches on the road and periods at home, it can be disorienting. Finding a routine is inevitably more challenging when your job involves travel and changing schedules. Pay attention. If you find yourself zoning out, make it a point to be present.
It may be while you’re interacting with family and friends at home. It may be during a video call with loved ones at the end of a long day while you’re on the road. Or, it might be distracting thoughts of what you’re missing while you’re behind the wheel. Whatever the situation, it’s important to commit to being present. Focus on what you’re actually doing so that you can drive safely and return to your family as scheduled.
Choose a Supportive Company
Not all trucking companies are the same. Some prioritize their bottom line, and their drivers are afterthoughts. Others recognize that their drivers are a key resource that contributes to their success, so they make a sincere effort to create a supportive and rewarding culture. Choosing a supportive company can make balancing trucking and family life much easier.
Is balancing trucking and family life a priority for you? Are you searching for a company where you can succeed professionally without sacrificing what matters most? Are you hoping to start a new career as a truck driver? BLC Transportation can help. We have opportunities for both company drivers and lease-purchase drivers. With our lease-purchase program, you can make 90 percent of the line haul while driving new trucks that provide comfort, fuel efficiency, and reliability. Plus, we offer bonuses and incentives, a health insurance subsidy, a friendly passenger/pet policy, assistance registering for an LLC, and more. Contact us today!