🚚 “I’m Always on the Road… But I’m Barely Getting By”​

A Look Inside Long-Haul Driver Pay and What Needs to Change

James has been a long-haul truck driver for nearly 12 years. He’s hauled everything from consumer goods to temperature-sensitive freight, often driving 3,000 miles a week. He’s missed holidays, family milestones, and sleep — all in the name of keeping shelves stocked and businesses running.

But lately, James says something doesn’t feel right.

“I’m working harder than ever, but somehow I’m making less. Fuel costs go up. Insurance goes up. But my pay per mile? That barely changes.”

He earns around 50 cents per mile — a rate that hasn’t shifted much in years — and when you factor in unpaid waiting time at docks, rising living expenses, and time away from home, he says it feels like “the math just doesn’t add up anymore.”

And he’s not alone.

📊 The Numbers Behind the Wheel

The trucking industry is the backbone of the American supply chain, yet many drivers feel undervalued — and underpaid.

Here’s what the data says:

• The average long-haul truck driver in the U.S. earns around $50,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience and region.

• However, the per-mile pay rate has barely increased over the past decade, with many drivers still earning between 40 to 60 cents per mile.

• A 2024 report by the American Trucking Associations found that driver turnover in long-haul fleets is over 90% — and pay dissatisfaction remains one of the top reasons.

• According to a recent survey, 68% of long-haul drivers said they felt they were not fairly compensated for the hours and effort they put in.

⏱️ Time Is Money… But Not Always Paid For

One of the biggest challenges? Unpaid downtime.

Many drivers spend hours at shipper and receiver locations, waiting to load or unload. That time often isn’t compensated — even though it eats into drivers’ Hours of Service (HOS) limits and contributes to burnout.

“I could sit at a dock for 6 hours,” James said. “That’s half a day gone, and I get zero pay for it. Try doing that week after week.”

🧠 What This Means for the Industry

Drivers like James are the reason freight moves. Without them, there’s no food on the shelves, no parts in the factory, no packages at your door.

If compensation doesn’t reflect the real work and sacrifice long-haul drivers endure, the talent pool will keep shrinking. Already, the industry is facing a shortage of over 80,000 drivers, and projections suggest that number could double by 2030.

💬 What Needs to Change?

• More transparency and consistency in pay

• Guaranteed minimums for wait time

• Increased incentives for long-distance hauls and time away from home

• Better benefits and recognition for the crucial work drivers do