Truck Driver Survey Finds 58% Looking for New Jobs

Truck Driver Survey Reveals What Drivers Want Most

Truck Driver Survey Finds More Than Half of Drivers Looking for New Jobs

A new Truck Driver Survey conducted by Conversion Interactive Agency and PDA found that 58.1% of respondents are currently looking for a truck driving job, the highest percentage recorded since the organizations began tracking the metric more than five years ago.

The Spring 2026 Truck Driver Survey collected responses from 1,497 CDL drivers nationwide and provides a snapshot of what drivers are thinking about pay, home time, carrier communication, technology, and federal enforcement. The findings suggest many drivers remain open to changing employers while also revealing growing interest in artificial intelligence and strong support for stricter CDL enforcement.

Truck Driver Survey Shows Rising Interest in New Opportunities

According to the survey, 58.1% of drivers said they are currently looking for truck driving jobs, compared to 56.3% in Fall 2025 and 46.8% in Spring 2025. Researchers said this is the highest level of job-seeking activity recorded since the survey began tracking the data.

The report suggests many drivers are still willing to switch carriers in search of better working conditions, improved communication, more predictable pay, and increased job satisfaction.

Home Time and Pay Remain Top Priorities

Among drivers actively looking for a new job, improved home time ranked as the leading reason, selected by 63.7% of respondents. Predictable or higher pay followed closely at 61.6%. Other common reasons included consistent miles, better benefits, and newer equipment.

The survey also found that 28% of job-seeking drivers said they feel disrespected at their current job, highlighting concerns that extend beyond compensation.

When asked what matters most right now, drivers again placed higher pay at the top of the list, followed by more home time, job stability, reliable equipment, and better treatment and respect.

Communication Problems Continue to Frustrate Drivers

The survey identified communication issues as another major concern.

Nearly one-quarter of respondents said the biggest frustration with their company is how difficult it is to reach someone when problems arise. Other common complaints included inconsistent information, not being listened to, disrespectful interactions, and last-minute load changes.

Researchers concluded that improving responsiveness and consistency could help carriers strengthen retention and driver satisfaction.

Aging Workforce Remains a Challenge

The Truck Driver Survey also highlighted the industry’s aging workforce.

Nearly half of respondents were age 56 or older, including 30.6% between ages 56 and 65 and another 18.7% over age 65. Only 7.7% of respondents were younger than 35.

More than half of drivers surveyed reported having over five years of driving experience, reinforcing concerns that retirements could continue to outpace the arrival of new drivers into the industry.

Strong Support for CDL and English Proficiency Enforcement

Another notable finding involved federal enforcement efforts.

When asked about increased enforcement of CDL requirements, including English proficiency standards, 73% of respondents said they strongly support the effort. Another 8.1% somewhat support it. Only 5.4% expressed opposition.

Researchers said the results suggest many drivers view stricter qualification standards as important for safety, professionalism, and accountability across the trucking industry.

Pay Remains the Biggest Turnover Risk

Drivers were also asked what single issue would most likely cause them to leave their current carrier within the next three months.

Pay inconsistency ranked first at 27.1%, followed by lack of respect or appreciation at 20.7%, insufficient home time at 13.6%, and poor communication with dispatch at 10.4%. Inward-facing cameras ranked near the bottom at 1.1%.

The findings suggest that while pay remains the industry’s biggest retention challenge, carrier culture, communication, and driver treatment continue to play a major role in keeping drivers satisfied.

Truck Driver Survey Reveals a Workforce Open to Change

Taken together, the results paint a picture of a trucking workforce that remains highly mobile and increasingly selective about where it works.

Drivers continue to prioritize predictable earnings, quality home time, reliable equipment, and respectful treatment. 

With nearly six in ten drivers actively exploring new opportunities, the survey suggests competition for experienced drivers could remain intense throughout the rest of 2026.