We asked our Truck Drivers USA Facebook community:
“Who’s your most listened to artist this year?”

The answers were loud and proud—and the variety says a lot about the personalities behind the wheel.

Rock and Metal Are Still Kings of the Road

If you’re looking for music that gets the adrenaline going, you’re in good company.

Merv Gristey keeps it legendary with Rush, AC/DC, Metallica, and rising favorites Liliac.
Ferdi Van de Kruisweg rocks out to Iron Maiden, Five Finger Death Punch, and Ghost, while Craig Clancy adds The Stunning and Shed Seven to his Iron Maiden rotation.
Kenny Robertson turns it up with Metallica and Slayer, and Mike Bohannon mixes in Kid Rock and AC/DC.
Jeremy Sieving is all about Orbit Culture, and Steven Clark shared two favorites: Nightwish and Amon Amarth.
Kaye Kangas tunes into Apocalyptica, Dethklok, and classic rock radio.
Shawn L Mauldin adds Subhumans to his list, while Dave George reps The Exploited.

Country Still Runs Deep in the Cab

The classics are alive and well.

Dean P. Voshell listens to Waylon Jennings, and Tony Cane shared a mix of Merle Haggard, Queen, and Haggard’s sons.
Don Sell goes with T. Graham Brown, and Randy Paiz prefers Alan Jackson.
Leo Fagan keeps it simple with “Merele the Man Haggard.”
Will Wipf summed up his vibe: “Anything old country.”
Linda Crain likes Luke Combs, and Juan Manuel Lumbreras Jr. sticks with Morgan Wallen.

Every Genre, Every Generation

Drivers didn’t hold back when it came to variety.

Joshua Ainsworth stays loyal to Def Leppard, and Lynn Engelbretson rotates between Muse and Iron Maiden.
Chris Goodwin shouted out Moonshine Bandits, while AJ Risner named Tony Justice: “I love music I can relate to.”
Thelma Blom listens to Heidi Hauge, and John W Van Syoc rides with Cara Dillon.
Patricia Butler recommended Dan Vasc on YouTube for his vocals and powerful covers.
Nancy Heffner Jacobson listens to Marc Scibilia, especially the track Times Like This.
Les Wohlers is all about Jimmy Buffett, and Kevin Marks prefers the beats of Paul Oakenfold.
Lynnea Parks keeps the energy high with Skillet, and Nancy Laughlin listens to Post Malone.
Kristopher Kolinek reps Pecos and the Rooftops, Steven Smithen is into Dream Theater, and Beau Johnson gave a nod to Sleep Token.

Outliers and Deep Cuts

Every now and then, a response makes you smile.

John Garafola gave a truly unique mix: Slim Whitman, Boxcar Willie, “Yoko Ono – Clearing the Room,” and “Andre the Giant – All My Best.”
Robert Schaffer listens to The Rolling Stones, while Dawson Vanroekel picked ILLENIUM.
Dan Shakes keeps it southern with Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Terry Hart added rising artist Kassi Ashton.
Glenn Tyler rides with Demun Jones, and Keith Bolton gave shoutouts to Fozzy and THC (Texas Hippie Coalition).
Mike Mike added Sheryl Crow.
Nick DenHaan even dropped a link to his own album on Spotify.

Sometimes, Silence Says It All

Not everyone listens to music on the road.

Ryan Whalen keeps it simple: “Whatever my wife plays.”
Kyle Yadon is more into Audible these days.
Scott Krauss shared, “A lot of quiet—just the hum of the tires on the road.”
And John Crooks just said: “Silence.”

Join the Conversation

Truckers don’t all listen to the same thing—but every playlist tells a story. From country ballads to face-melting metal, these drivers are keeping America moving one track at a time.

Got a favorite artist of your own?

Join the conversation on our Facebook page and connect with thousands of other drivers who get it. Truck Drivers USA Facebook Community.

The post What Truck Drivers Are Listening to on the Road in 2025 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Rocking the Highway: Songs to Amp Up the Energy

1. Thunderstruck – AC/DC
   • David M. Bender kicks off our playlist with “Thunderstruck.” This AC/DC classic has proven road-boosting power, especially for those not bound by a speed governor.
2. Master of Puppets – Metallica
   • For those needing a heavier beat to power through long miles, Tatyana Zueva-Vatev recommends Metallica’s “Master of Puppets.” A rock anthem that’s intense and energizing!
3. Highway Star – Deep Purple
   • Willy William Brown’s choice for “when I’m in a hot rod car,” Deep Purple’s “Highway Star” is the ultimate song for open-road acceleration.
4. Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf
   • Mark Strain channels classic road freedom with “Born to Be Wild,” the anthem that inspired generations of road warriors.
5. Highway to Hell – AC/DC
   • Kim Heisey Ackerman’s pick, another AC/DC hit, adds a rebellious energy to the road. “Highway to Hell” is perfect for those rugged, challenging hauls.
6. I Can’t Drive 55 – Sammy Hagar
   • Tim Tforc and Jeff Kaplan both selected this fast-paced anthem, fitting for anyone feeling constrained by speed limits.
7. Wherever I May Roam – Metallica
   • David Vos chose this Metallica classic—a song about endless journeys and freedom, resonating with every long-haul driver.

Country Roads and Rhythms: Classic Country Hits for the Road

1. Amarillo by Morning – George Strait
   • David Smith and Gloria Perry Eminhizer keep it smooth and soulful with “Amarillo by Morning,” a country classic that reflects the highs and lows of the road.
2. 18 Gears to Life – Tony Justice
   • Brandon Chastain’s pick celebrates the trucker lifestyle. With lyrics that resonate with every driver, this song tells a story as real as the road itself.
3. East Bound and Down – Jerry Reed
   • David Orto and Eddie Brickles share this pick, a quintessential road tune that encapsulates the thrill of “making it there on time” with a playful country beat.
4. Six Days on the Road – Dave Dudley
   • Brookelene Bicksler and Brian Jones selected this classic, capturing the grind and grit of truck driving. It’s a tribute to every long-haul warrior.
5. Life is a Highway – Tom Cochrane
   • Steve Prior’s choice is upbeat and lively, inspiring drivers to embrace every curve of the road. It’s a true anthem for anyone with a heart on the highway.

Bluesy and Soulful Selections

1. Call Me the Breeze – Lynyrd Skynyrd
   • Frank Perrote’s pick, “Call Me the Breeze,” brings Southern rock and blues to the open road, adding a laid-back vibe to long drives.
2. Ain’t My Fault – Brothers Osborne
   • Vermelle Hansen adds a country-rock twist with “Ain’t My Fault,” a song that lets drivers groove and unwind on the road.
3. Ghost Love Score – Nightwish
   • Ian Watson went with this haunting and powerful track by Nightwish. For those who prefer a cinematic feel to their drives, this is the ultimate pick.
4. Amazing Grace
   • Gene Conn offers a spiritual tune with “Amazing Grace,” creating a moment of peace and reflection, even amid the hustle of the road.

Lyrical Stories and Ballads

1. Am I the Only One – Aaron Lewis
   • Charles Thomas’s pick speaks to anyone who’s ever felt like the only one out there on a long stretch of highway, making this song deeply relatable.
2. On the Road Again – Willie Nelson
   • Brenda Day chose this classic by Willie Nelson, a favorite for its straightforward, optimistic embrace of the traveling lifestyle.
3. I’m a Thousand Miles from Nowhere – Dwight Yoakam
   • Jack Arons shares a tune that captures the solitary beauty of the open road, perfect for those endless stretches where it’s just you and the horizon.
4. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida – Iron Butterfly
   • Benji Wayne Walton suggests this epic, 17-minute track, ideal for long hauls when you’re settled into a rhythm on the open road.

The Road Never Ends: Honorable Mentions

1. Take This Job and Shove It – Johnny Paycheck
   • Randy Potts’ choice is a humorous anthem that every trucker can relate to after a hard day’s work. It’s a no-nonsense, light-hearted take on the road life.
2. Choctaw Bingo – James McMurtry
   • Alex Martinez selected this storytelling masterpiece, known for its unique lyrics and rhythm that keeps drivers hooked.
3. Radar Love – Golden Earring
   • Lori Sheridan and Jean Paul Dutch Man agreed that “Radar Love” is a must-play on any haul. It’s a high-energy track that’s all about staying connected.
4. Too Sexy for My Shirt – Right Said Fred
   • Raymond Desilets keeps it fun with this humorous classic, a light-hearted addition to any playlist.

Our driver community’s picks reveal that, whether it’s country, rock, or blues, every song tells part of a larger journey. These songs aren’t just music—they’re the fuel that keeps them going. Next time you hit the road, consider adding a few of these picks to your playlist. After all, sometimes the right song can make all the difference between just another trip and an unforgettable journey.

The post The Ultimate Haul Playlist: Truck Drivers Share Their Top Songs for the Road appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.