The trucking industry is as mobile in its workforce as it is on the road. Studies in recent years highlight a trend of high turnover among truck drivers, with many changing jobs within a year. The American Trucking Association (ATA) has consistently reported that turnover rates for truck drivers remain staggeringly high, often exceeding 90% in various sectors.
The reasons for this mobility vary. Truckers are always looking for better pay, benefits, and work conditions like other workers. When the economy is strong, many drivers are taken away by industries like construction and manufacturing that offer higher wages or more predictable hours, allowing for a better work-life balance.
While switching jobs for slightly better pay or benefits may seem beneficial in the short term, it’s worth considering whether constant job hopping has long-term advantages. Drivers who frequently change employers might sacrifice stability and miss out on potential growth within a single company.
So, is it wise for drivers to chase quick gains? Or should they think carefully about the costs and benefits of job-hopping before making their next move? Let’s take a look at it all in this article.
What is job hopping?
Imagine landing a new job with a trucking company, hoping it’s the start of your ideal driving career.
But after just 6-8 weeks, the role doesn’t meet your expectations, and soon, you're back searching for another position.
Before long, your resume shows a series of short-term jobs—six different companies in a year.
This is what’s known as job hopping in the trucking world, a pattern many truck drivers experience.
Why is job hopping becoming common?
There are several common reasons for job hopping among truck drivers, including issues like unreliable equipment, misaligned job expectations, burnout, a mismatch with their carrier, and even mistreatment. Here’s a closer look at each of these factors.
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Equipment issues
Equipment plays a major role in job satisfaction for truck drivers. If a driver constantly has to deal with a truck that breaks down, it disrupts their schedule and reduces their income. A driver may switch companies to find one that maintains its fleet better, ensuring they can stay on the road without the frustration of frequent truck repairs.
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Job burnout
The life of a trucker is demanding, with long hours on the road and extended time away from home. Drivers often work under stressful conditions, such as delays in loading or unloading and extended periods waiting on the highway. This continuous cycle of stress can lead to burnout, which may prompt a driver to leave their current role in search of a better work-life balance.
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Poor treatment
Unfortunately, some carriers encourage drivers to work outside safe operating limits to meet tight deadlines, sometimes pushing them to exceed their Hours of Service (HOS) limits. A driver who feels pressured to compromise on safety or doesn't feel valued will likely seek a company that respects their well-being and safety.
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Unclear expectations
When drivers accept a job expecting certain pay rates or home-time arrangements, but reality doesn’t match the promise, they often look for another company. Misunderstandings about pay or home time can stem from either the recruiter’s unclear explanations or the driver’s eagerness to accept terms that don’t fully align with their needs. Clear and honest communication between both parties is crucial to avoid mismatches.
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Poor carrier/driver fit
Sometimes, a driver and a company’s dispatch team don’t click. Different personalities or communication styles can create tension, leading the driver to switch to a carrier where they feel a better connection and mutual respect with their dispatchers.
When should you really switch?
If you’ve been driving for a while and are thinking about quitting your current job, take a moment to evaluate your reasons. Are you looking to advance your career, or are you just frustrated with temporary issues?
Start by considering your goals. It could be worth it if the new job offers a chance to increase your pay or move up in your career. Think about your long-term growth, too—does the new company offer opportunities you don’t have now?
Also, think about your well-being. It might be a good time to move on if your current job seriously affects your happiness or health. However, if your issues could be resolved with some open communication, try discussing them with your employer first—you may be able to improve your situation without leaving.
Finally, do some research. Look into the new company's reputation, and talk to other drivers. A little preparation can help you avoid potential issues and ensure your next job will be a good fit for you.
4 reasons job hopping can be bad
Switching jobs often is common in the trucking industry, but that doesn’t mean every company will look past it. Some carriers have strict policies regarding applicants with a history of job-hopping.
Certain companies set limits on the number of job hoppings they’ll accept. If a recruiter looks over your job history and notices frequent job hopping, here are a few reasons why it might count against you.
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It can cost you money
Switching jobs frequently can be financially draining. You might go without pay during the transition, and traveling to a new orientation site can add travel expenses. Over time, this can add up, making job-hopping a costly choice.
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It may make you seem unreliable
If you’re constantly moving from one company to another, carriers may question your reliability. They want drivers they can count on for the long haul. Frequent job hopping can make it seem like you’re likely to leave at the first sign of trouble, which can hurt your chances of getting hired.
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It can affect the carrier’s reputation
Hiring drivers with a pattern of job-hopping can reflect poorly on a carrier. High turnover rates make companies look unstable, and dissatisfied drivers may share their negative experiences with others, tarnishing the carrier's image further.
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You don’t give the carrier a fair chance
If you leave a job in under six months, you might not be giving yourself or the carrier enough time to see if it’s a good match. A short stint doesn’t allow for a full understanding of the role or a solid working relationship, which could make job-hopping a missed opportunity for finding a suitable employer.
3 tips to avoid job hopping
If you want to avoid job-hopping, set a time commitment for yourself. Unless there's a serious family or medical reason, try to stay with a carrier for at least six months. This gives you enough time to settle in, understand the company’s expectations, and decide if it’s the right fit.
However, if you're thinking about switching carriers because of inconsistent pay, try looking at your income every month instead of week by week. Some week's earnings might be great, around $2,000, while others, like $1,000, could be lower. Instead of reacting to a single bad week, check if your monthly earnings consistently meet your financial goals. If they don’t over time, that may be a valid reason to consider other options.
On the other hand, if you need more home time or a different schedule, talk to your carrier before making a jump. Sometimes, carriers offer different positions, team driving job, or routes that can provide better work-life balance. For example, if you’ve been on the road for years but want to be home more often, explore any available local or regional options. Seeking internal changes could help you avoid switching carriers altogether.
Building a satisfying career takes time. Adjusting to a new job requires getting familiar with routes, understanding company policies, and building relationships with dispatchers and other team members. If you’re feeling restless, give yourself a chance to adapt rather than rushing into a new job, which could bring its own set of challenges. Remember, making a hasty move might not solve your issues and could lead to more instability.
In the end, build a stable career
In the trucking industry, making careful career decisions is crucial to long-term success. Instead of making sudden moves, consider how each decision aligns with your goals and personal needs.
Stay proactive by communicating openly with recruiters and carriers about your expectations and work preferences. A clear understanding of your financial needs, desired work-life balance, and preferred work culture can be invaluable in shaping a rewarding career path.
By taking a strategic approach, you can build a stable and satisfying career. While job-hopping might feel like a quick solution to challenges, addressing issues head-on and making thoughtful choices will ultimately serve you better.