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The Truck Driver Experience: Identifying Psychological Stressors from the Voice of the Driver

Author

Listed:
  • Donnie F. Williams
  • Stephanie P. Thomas
  • Sara Liao‐Troth

Abstract

As boundary‐spanning supply chain members, truck drivers are important to the efficient and effective flow of goods throughout the supply chain. However, costly truck‐driver turnover rates have plagued the industry for years. While previous research has focused on a variety of factors that can contribute to a driver leaving his or her current organization and/or the industry, long‐haul turnover rates remain unacceptably high. Using a phenomenological methodology, this research explores psychological aspects of truck drivers' experiences in order to better understand the challenges and stressors that may lead to dissatisfaction with their careers and ultimately their decision to leave their company and/or the industry. Data was collected from drivers through face‐to‐face interviews and Internet blogs. The findings identify both controllable and uncontrollable psychological stressors that truck drivers experience and how these stressors manifest in their jobs. The themes identified include stress from loneliness and loss of family life, stress due to health‐related issues and uncertainty from health‐related support, lack of respect from multiple parties, and the stressful impact of government regulations. Identification of these themes may help organizations develop strategies to address these important stressors and improve the retention and performance of their drivers.

Suggested Citation

  • Donnie F. Williams & Stephanie P. Thomas & Sara Liao‐Troth, 2017. "The Truck Driver Experience: Identifying Psychological Stressors from the Voice of the Driver," Transportation Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 56(1), pages 54-76, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:transj:v:56:y:2017:i:1:p:54-76
    DOI: 10.5325/transportationj.56.1.0054
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thompson, Craig J & Locander, William B & Pollio, Howard R, 1989. "Putting Consumer Experience Back into Consumer Research: The Philosophy and Method of Existential-Phenomenology," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 16(2), pages 133-146, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jonathan Phares & Jason W. Miller & Stephen V. Burks, 2025. "Shedding light on truck driver supply and demand: Heterogeneous state‐level recovery of trucking employment following the COVID‐19 employment shock," Transportation Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 64(1), January.
    2. Ali K. Dogru & A. Banu Elmadag & Ke Gong & John Michael Travers & Chao Meng, 2024. "Examination of upstream supply chain and logistics issues in the US logging industry," Transportation Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 63(2), pages 74-97, April.

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