A new survey by a leading trucker charity reveals many Americans might not understand some of the basic aspects of the lives of professional drivers.
The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF) recently released findings from a new nationwide consumer awareness survey that shed light on the health and financial struggles of America’s truck drivers. The announcement coincides with National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.
The survey, conducted in partnership with SCF, revealed widespread public misunderstanding of the risks drivers face while on the road and the lack of safety nets available to them.
Findings. of the survey include:
- Income Loss: 37% of Americans believe truckers lose $10,000–$24,999 in income if sidelined for just one month due to illness or injury.
- Lack of Paid Sick Leave: 43% were unaware that most independent drivers lack paid sick time or leave benefits.
- Health Concerns: Nearly 40% of drivers are believed to face serious metabolic and cardiovascular health issues, including diabetes and heart disease.
- Family Sacrifices: 39% of Americans personally know a truck driver who spends four or more days away from home per trip, with most drivers getting only 1–6 days at home between long hauls.
“With 72% of the U.S. supply chain dependent on trucks, driver health and financial stability directly impact logistics resilience,” said Courtney Niemann, Executive Director of SCF. “Every mile, every delivery and every long night on the road, America’s truck drivers go above and beyond to keep our country running. At SCF, we are committed to stepping in when illness or injury forces a driver off the road so families don’t fall through the cracks.”
SCF supports drivers through direct financial assistance and free health and wellness programs, ensuring they can recover and return to work. Recent initiatives include preventative screenings, smoking cessation and chronic disease management programs tailored to the unique challenges of life on the road.
The release of the survey also follows SCF’s selection as the charity partner for the first annual Freight Fantasy Football League, founded by Transfix, providing additional funding to expand SCF’s mission.
“We are truly grateful for this partnership, which will help ensure professional drivers have the support they need when illness or injury takes them off the road,” added Niemann.
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