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.

The Timeless Classics

Some songs have stood the test of time, becoming anthems for generations of truckers. Tim Prow shared that Eddie Rabbit’s Driving My Life Away takes him straight back. It’s a song about life on the road, so it’s easy to see why it resonates. Jim Tiffany and John Hanson both recalled Phantom 309, a haunting ballad that tells the story of a mysterious trucker who lends a helping hand.

Harvey Bartlett and Rhonda Culver named Give Me 40 Acres their go-to trucking memory song, a humorous yet relatable track about maneuvering a big rig. And, of course, Kevin Baker threw in Hello I’m a Truck, a song that perfectly embodies life behind the wheel.

The Country Road Anthems

Country music and trucking culture are deeply intertwined, and many drivers named country songs that immediately bring back memories. Shane Downey’s pick was Asphalt Cowboy by Jason Aldean, a track that speaks to the solitude and resilience of truckers. Joshua Ainsworth and Jimmy Floyd Wood named I Can’t Drive 55 by Sammy Hagar—an anthem for those who’ve felt the struggle of speed limits.

Kristin Wells remembers Bottoms Up by Brantley Gilbert because it played during her training days with Swift. Mario Ruiz mentioned There’s a Tear in My Beer by Hank Williams Jr., a song that captures the loneliness that sometimes comes with trucking. Cody Geller’s song of choice, I Can Still Make Cheyenne by George Strait, is another powerful ballad that echoes the sacrifices truckers make.

Rocking Down the Highway

For those who prefer a bit more edge to their playlists, rock songs were a common theme. Lyle Matson named Here I Go Again by Whitesnake, a track that perfectly sums up the independence of hitting the road. Lori Sheridan’s choice was Radar Love by Golden Earring, a song that feels like it was made for truckers chasing the night.

Steven Ratajczak threw it back with We Built This City by Starship, while Charles Campbell remembers Up Around the Bend by CCR. For the metalheads, Lisa Marie Edge chose Wherever I May Roam by Metallica, embodying the nomadic life of trucking.

Songs with a Special Memory

Some songs are more than just a soundtrack—they mark a specific moment in a driver’s career. Kevin Marks recalls Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Sweet Home Alabama playing right as he crossed the Alabama-Georgia line on his first solo run back in 1988. Meanwhile, Colin-Dani Olsen remembers jamming to Gino Vanelli’s Black Cars while trucking in the Army Reserve.

Then there’s Moira Elliott, who vividly described hearing Love Reign O’er Me by The Who while driving eastbound on I-40 in the middle of the night as a thunderstorm lit up the Arizona sky, the song built to its peak—an unforgettable moment of adventure on the open road.

The Songs That Keep Rolling

Of course, no trucking playlist is complete without some of the all-time greats. Bert Squire and John W Van Syoc named East Bound & Down the ultimate trucking anthem. Brian Degennaro threw in the Convoy theme song, an absolute must for any trucker’s collection. And Randy Stanley’s choice, Roll On Highway, Roll On Along, perfectly captures the road’s rhythm.

What’s Your Song?

These are just a handful of the songs that have shaped truckers’ early days on the job, but there are countless more out there. Music has a way of anchoring us to memories, especially when those memories involve miles of highway, late-night hauls, and the freedom of the open road. What song takes you back to your first trucking job? Join the TDUSA Facebook community to get in on the conversation.

The post The Songs That Take Truckers Back to Their First Haul appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Nostalgic Country Classics

Country music resonates deeply with many drivers, telling stories of love, life, and the open highway:

• “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson (shared by Betty Martin) – A timeless trucking anthem.
• “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks (shared by Joe Farkas) – Perfect for a singalong during a long haul.
• “White Freightliner Blues” by Townes Van Zandt (shared by Kirt Brinkley) – A tribute to life on the road.

Southern Rock and Road Anthems

These Southern rock favorites keep the energy high and the wheels turning:

• “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd (shared by Wayne Rettinger) – A song as expansive as the highway itself.
• “Southbound and Down” by Jerry Reed (shared by Anders Jangby) – The ultimate trucking song from Smokey and the Bandit.
• “Turn the Page” by Bob Seger (shared by Gary James) – A reflective track perfect for introspection on the road.

Modern Beats and Hidden Gems

Drivers aren’t just stuck on the classics—here are some fresh and lesser-known tunes that are making waves:

• “Better Days Ahead” by Norman Brown (shared by Lynn Gillich) – Smooth jazz that lifts the spirits.
• “Midnight Gasoline” by Jamey Johnson (shared by Bj Vogel) – A soulful story told through music.
• “Detroit” by Badflower (shared by Jarrod Sherman) – A rock song for those intense driving moments.

Classic Rock Favorites

Some tracks are timeless, and these classic rock hits are proof:

• “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac (shared by Gene Dollar) – A dreamy escape for long drives.
• “Wherever I May Roam” by Metallica (shared by Andy Axelson) – A perfect fit for the nomadic lifestyle.
• “Night Prowler” by AC/DC (shared by Scott Krauss) – Electrifying tunes for nighttime hauls.

Holiday Favorites and Fun Picks

With the holidays around the corner, festive tracks are getting some airtime:

• “Let It Be Christmas” by Alan Jackson (shared by Pete Luhrman) – Spreading holiday cheer.
• “Holly Jolly Christmas” by Burl Ives (shared by Jeff Boyden) – A classic to brighten up any cab.

And for some laughs, songs like “The Smurf Song” (shared by Robert Farina) and “Baby Shark” (shared by Roberto Tortolero) remind us that truckers know how to have fun too!

Unique Picks Reflecting Personality

Some drivers shared tracks that showcase their individuality and unique tastes:

• “A Song I Can Sing” by Heidi Hauge (shared by Thelma Blom) – Perfect for soulful moments.
• “Trouble” by Erin Kinsey (shared by Rune A K Bjølgerud) – A fresh take on country-pop.
• “Opiate” by Tool (shared by Clayton McDaniel) – A bold choice for fans of progressive rock.

Join the Conversation

For truckers, music isn’t just background noise—it’s a lifeline during long hauls. It keeps spirits high, minds sharp, and emotions grounded. Whether it’s a country classic, a rock anthem, or a playful tune, every song tells a story about the driver behind the wheel.

Want to join the conversation and share your favorite songs with the trucking community? Come be part of our Truck Drivers USA Facebook group! Click here to join the discussion and connect with fellow truckers.

The post What Truckers Are Listening to on the Open Road appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.