Driver burnout is more than just being tired from a long haul. It’s a state of full physical and mental exhaustion, capable of really hitting you hard in trucking. It’s a common saying that a truck driver “doesn’t just work; he lives.” Such a lifestyle can be very stressful if one is always on the road.
In the case of driver burnout, one could be having a hard time getting motivated for the workday, taking short breaks, feeling guilty in the meantime, and even losing interest in a formerly liked job. The truck driver may also want to get through with the day’s miles and spend a lot of time at the truck stop to avoid driving.
The figures unveil the truth of driver burnout, as one can see that, contrary to most jobs sticking to 40 hours of work a week, truck drivers may sometimes be working for even 90 hours. The body and mind need enough rest to be able to assume their roles safely on the road. When burnout sets in, you might find yourself no longer enjoying driving, putting through your day without making serious miles, feeling exhausted all the time, becoming disconnected from your work, and having difficulty keeping focus during drives.
We at Mac’s Mobile Diesel Repair understand these challenges. We see drivers push to the limit and beyond, and we want to be there to help keep your truck running more smoothly. A healthy truck will allow you more time to take care of yourself instead of scheduling more unexpected repairs! Additionally, you should factor in the time spent waiting for roadside assistance if your truck were to fail completely! It is advisable to pay attention to these signals early, as they might save you from more severe problems in the future.
Causes and Effects of Driver Burnout
In other words, the unremitting demand of trucking is a vicious circle that very often results in burnout. Drivers typically put in 90 hours a week, which is twice the length of a standard workweek of 40 hours. Such a tight schedule hardly allows any time for rest and recovery.
The payment system based on mileage means that drivers make their money only while they are driving, and the pressure to be always on the move is relentless. The pressure from the trucking companies often results in making drivers who work for the company set their standards of welfare below those of the company. While most workers can afford a two-day weekend, truck drivers have very limited time off between shifts, which is only 34 hours on average, and of that, half is spent sleeping to recover from tiredness. Even during their off-duty time, drivers spend most of it at truck stops waiting for the next load, which further reduces the time available for relaxation and rest.
These hardships may cause the rise of different kinds of both physical and psychological diseases. The physical consequences might be sleep apnea, obesity, and so on, whereas the mental health pressure may be felt as depression, high irritability, and even a total lack of interest in work.
The erratic working hours, together with the never-ending stress, do not allow the drivers to get into the habit of a healthy lifestyle. Since there is not much time for preparing a healthy meal, fast food has become the first choice for many truckers, leading to weight gain and other associated health issues. The long driving hours make it very hard for the person to stick to a regular exercise routine, thereby intensifying health issues like obesity and tiredness. This way of living finally brings about huge costs in terms of both physical and psychological health.
Ways to Reduce Driver Burnout
The very first thing to do in order to take control of your health and wellness is to find practical ways that will help reduce stress. Driving without a stressed mind means taking breaks every few hours, even if you feel very lively. You can make use of these breaks for some very light physical activities or just stretching, going out of the truck for a bit of fresh air and sun, and putting yourself in quiet spots at the rest areas that are not too close to the trucks.
Preparing the Bedroom for Good Sleep
Your sleeping place is very important for the preservation of your health. Put up blackout curtains in your sleep area, get a white noise machine or fan to mask the sounds that annoy you, set the temperature of your sleeping area according to your liking, and keep all electronic devices out of your sleeping area. It is also very important to create a night routine that includes going to bed at the same time every day if possible, doing some relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, stretching, or yoga before sleep, having a hot shower at truck stops shortly before going to bed, and listening to soft music or an audiobook.
Prioritizing Rest Periods
Use your 34-hour reset wisely for quality rest and plan routes in tune with your natural sleep patterns. Choose well-lit, quiet truck stops for overnight parking and never trade off sleep time for extra miles. A planned run with a routine sleeping schedule will help re-develop better rest habits. If you are feeling burnt out, then a temporary shift to the extra board can give you the reboot that you deserve.
Using New Rules to Your Health Advantage
Implementation of HOS regulations brings a positive change in the well-being of drivers. The regulations set a maximum driving time of 70 hours, which results in a more humane working schedule for drivers. The mandatory breaks that come along with the required 34-hour reset not only allow the drivers to sleep but also help to break the cycle of driving nonstop. Regular and enforced breaks will not only keep the drivers awake but also support their body’s natural sleep rhythm. Drivers will never have the chance to push through their fatigue just to cover more ground because their fatigue will be managed by the regulations, establishing consistent rest periods.
The driving limits act as a safety measure to keep the companies from taking measures that reveal the drivers’ limits. It seems to some that these are restrictive regulations, but in reality, they are barriers that protect the drivers from exhaustion. The limit of 70 hours for driving creates a much healthier balance between work and rest, so the driver can remain safe in their trucking career for a long period of time. It is important to note that the regulations are there for your protection and not to reduce your income. When you work within these rules, you are taking care of your health and well-being on the road.
Turning to the Professionals When Necessary
It is understandable that when a driver becomes completely exhausted or depressed due to burnout, the situation may escalate. The indications are obvious: if you constantly find yourself being rude, having bad sleep quality, or lacking interest in work at all, then you should request assistance. There are various services available to support you, such as professional counseling, mental health hotlines specifically for drivers, online therapy that you can access from your truck, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) provided by the company, support groups, local truck driver support groups, online communities and forums, and industry associations with mental health resources.
The majority of drivers will refuse to get help owing to the fact that it is viewed as a sign of weakness.
However, the reality is that asking for professional help is evidence of power and consciousness of oneself.
Your mental health is closely related to your safety on the road and your effectiveness in doing the job.
And do not forget, you are not the only one facing this issue.
Nowadays, a lot of counseling services provide different kinds of flexible scheduling, including virtual therapy sessions that you can book during your break at a truck stop or when resting is mandatory.
Self-Care in the Trucking Industry
Your good health is worth more than the most difficult mile marker or the tightest delivery deadline.
A truck driver is the most important person in the truck, and taking care of oneself is not an option, but a necessity.
Here are a few tips on making self-care your priority while on the road.
Take Regular Breaks. Do not wait for exhaustion to set in. Plan short breaks during your drive, even if you feel great.
Listen to Your Body Clock. Your body is asking for sleep at night. Resist the schedules that bring about your unnatural sleep patterns.
Set Boundaries. It is perfectly fine to decline when the case is that you require rest.
Keep in mind that you are not just a driver but also a person who needs some time off.
Create a Personal Schedule. Set aside time for workouts, healthy eating, chats with family, and adequate sleep.
Life in trucking is difficult, but you don’t have to give up your health for it.
If you start to notice even slightly the signs of burnout—low energy, lack of enthusiasm, difficulty getting up in the morning—then do something about it immediately.
A driver who is healthy is a safe driver.
Your welfare is, in turn, the welfare of others who share the road with you. So, self-care should be your primary concern, and you will be more than ready to face the challenges that life might throw your way. A healthy truck is just as important! Give us a call at Mac’s Diesel and Trailer repair today at (859) 433-4062.