When the economy slows down, a lot of people start to worry about losing their jobs. One job that often comes up in this conversation is truck driving. Is truck driving recession proof? While no job is 100% safe, truck driving tends to do better than many others during hard times. Let’s look at why truck driving jobs are often more stable and what drivers can do to stay safe in their careers.
Trucking and the Economy: Always in Demand
According to the American Trucking Associations, trucks move about 72.6% of the nation’s freight by weight. That’s over 11 billion tons of goods moved by truck every year. With numbers like that, it’s clear the economy depends on truck drivers. From grocery stores to gas stations, nearly every business relies on trucks to stay stocked and running.
The trucking industry plays a big role in how our country works. Almost everything you buy—groceries, clothes, medicine—has been on a truck at some point. Because we always need these things, trucking stays important even when other jobs slow down.
Trucking During COVID-19: A Real-Life Example
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people had to stay home and couldn’t work. But truck drivers were called essential workers. They kept driving so stores, hospitals, and homes could get the things they needed. This showed how important truck drivers are, especially in tough times.
Is Truck Driving Recession Proof?
Economic uncertainty can have truck drivers asking, is being a truck driver a recession proof career? No job is completely safe, but trucking comes close. In a recession, people still need food, medicine, and basic items. Trucks are needed to deliver these things. So while some areas of trucking might slow down, others stay busy or even get busier. That makes truck driving one of the more secure jobs during a recession.
How Trucking Is Affected During Hard Times
Even though trucking is important, it can still be affected by things like high fuel costs or fewer people buying things. But overall, trucking usually bounces back faster than other industries. It’s one of the first to pick up again when the economy improves.
What the Future Holds for Trucking
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) projects a strong future. They report that trucks move nearly 72.6% of all freight in the U.S., moving about 11.5 billion tons of freight each year. That makes trucking the backbone of American logistics. By 2031, the ATA expects freight volumes to grow by 21%, and to keep up with that demand, the industry will need to hire over 1 million new drivers over the next decade.
So while economic time may be uncertain the demand for truck drivers is stable. This makes now a smart time for drivers to prepare and position themselves for the future.
How Truck Drivers Can Prepare for a Recession
Even though trucking is more stable, drivers can still do things to protect their jobs. Here are some tips:
1. Add Endorsements to Your License
Adding CDL endorsements like Hazmat, Tanker, or Doubles/Triples to your license can help you get more job options. These jobs often pay better and are needed even during hard times.
2. Keep a Clean Driving Record
Companies want safe drivers. If you have a good driving record, it’s easier to find and keep good jobs.
3. Pick a Good Company
Some companies are more stable than others. Look for ones that have good reviews and steady work in areas like food or medical supply delivery.
4. Learn About the Industry
Keep up with news about trucking. It can help you plan ahead and make smart choices about your career.
Trucking has shown that it can survive and even grow when other industries slow down. It’s an important job that helps keep the country moving. That’s why many people see it as a strong and stable career.
If you’re a driver or thinking about becoming one, now might be a great time to prepare. The more skills and knowledge you have, the better your chances of staying employed, even when times are tough. Get started by filling out the form below.