Episode Transcript
Hey folks, JC here, and welcome back to Miles & Sacrifice: Life Beyond Cargo. This episode might shake some things up, but let’s be real—trucking isn’t for the faint of heart. I’ve heard from truckers new and old, and I’ll tell you, this industry brings out some serious emotions.
From lifelong vets to fresh drivers just trying to find their way, the views are varied, but one thing’s certain: trucking is a lifestyle, not just a job. So today, we’re diving into the raw truths, no holds barred.
I kicked off a conversation recently that stirred up some serious opinions. Here’s how it started: “If trucking is so bad, and every new excited driver that tries to look for advice is getting told ‘don’t do it, you’ll be miserable and broke,’ why aren’t you finding another job?”
Pretty bold, right? But it had to be said. I see new drivers coming into the industry, excited, ready to learn, and then they get hit with wave after wave of negativity. “It’s a crap job,” they’re told. “You’ll be broke, miserable, it’s not worth it.”
But what I ask is—why are you still here? If it’s that bad, why are you still behind the wheel?
Now, let’s break this down with some real stories from the road. Here’s a comment from one driver: “I got out. Wasn’t for me. I hate living in a truck. Now I fix trucks and occasionally still do a short trip. Better for me! Lots of people absolutely love it though.”
For some people, it’s true—trucking just isn’t for them. And that’s okay. It’s a tough life. Not everyone is cut out to live on the road. But let me share another perspective.
One trucker said, “I’ve been at it 43 years and still love it. I enjoy chatting with new drivers and giving them sound advice whenever I can. However, it’s definitely on the decline, and I’m glad I was in it when I was, not starting out now.”
43 years on the road. That’s a lifetime of sacrifice. What keeps someone like that going? It’s more than just the money, right? It’s the independence, the pride in the work. For some, trucking is in their blood, and no matter how tough it gets, there’s something about the open road that calls them back.
But let’s not kid ourselves—trucking comes with real challenges. Relationships? They suffer. I can’t count how many drivers have told me, “Don’t drive a truck if you’re not single. It’ll cost you more than you want to spend.” There’s a hard truth in that. You’re gone for weeks, sometimes months. People change, life moves on without you. The price of the road can be high, not just financially, but emotionally.
And that’s not to mention the financial side of things. One trucker shared, “The way companies run their pay scale is in no way decent. Especially for OTR drivers. Rates are nowhere near where they need to be.”
It’s not all candy canes and teddy bears out here, and we’ve got to be honest with the people coming into this industry.
But here’s where the heart of this episode lies. It’s not just about the hardships. Sure, trucking can be grueling. It’s a lifestyle that’s not for everyone. But it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences out there—for the right person. One comment hit home: “Trucking can be a great job for the right person. Most people could drive a truck, but they just can’t hack the rest of it.” And that’s the truth.
You’ve got to love it. The long hours, the isolation, the sacrifices. But the freedom? The independence? For some of us, it’s worth every mile.
So, to all the new drivers out there—take the advice. Listen to the stories. Understand the good, the bad, and the ugly. But don’t let someone else’s experience define yours. You might find something out here that makes you feel more alive than anything else ever has. And to the vets—yeah, we get frustrated, we get tired, but remember where you started. There was excitement once. Don’t crush that for the next generation.
Trucking isn’t for everyone, but for those who stick with it? There’s a bond, a community, and a pride in the work that keeps you going. If you’re listening, thinking about getting into trucking, or already in the game—just know this: it’s tough. But if you love it, it’s worth it.
10-4, folks. Stay safe, keep your wheels turning, and I’ll see you on the road.
Thanks for tuning in to Miles & Sacrifice: Life Beyond Cargo. Don’t forget to share your own stories with us at MilesandSacrifice.ca or on social media. Until next time, take care out there.
