Safety: First and Foremost

Safety, first and foremost, is the foundation of all operations. Drivers have access to well-maintained equipment, structured training programs, and clear safety protocols. These measures allow drivers to work confidently while keeping themselves and the communities they serve protected.

Say What We Mean and Mean What We Say

Say what we mean and mean what we say reflects the commitment to clear communication. Drivers and employees are given precise guidance about routes, schedules, and expectations. Management ensures that all commitments are honored, which reduces misunderstandings and builds trust throughout the organization.

Be Ethical: We Always Do What Is Right

From workload management to recognition programs, ethical practices maintain fairness and transparency. This principle reinforces trust between drivers, management, and customers.

Lead: Pursue the Road Less Traveled

Pursuing the road less traveled emphasizes guiding by example. Experienced drivers mentor new employees, and management encourages problem-solving and initiative. This approach fosters accountability, professional growth, and a culture of excellence.

Be the Best Trucking Company in the Country

This principle drives the focus on high standards. Training, equipment, and processes are continuously improved to maintain operational excellence. Performance is measured not only by safety and reliability but also by driver satisfaction and customer trust.

Respect: Give It and Earn It

Giving and earning respect highlights the importance of valuing others. Employees are expected to treat each other professionally, and contributions are recognized consistently. This principle strengthens relationships and morale while ensuring drivers feel supported and respected.

Have Fun: Work Hard and Play Hard

This principle demonstrates that enjoying work is part of the culture. Achievements are celebrated, team events are hosted, and recognition programs encourage a positive and balanced workplace. This principle helps maintain engagement, motivation, and a sense of community.

Start Your Driving Career

By practicing these seven principles every day, Crete Carrier, Shaffer Trucking, and Hunt Transportation create a workplace that prioritizes professionalism, safety, respect, and engagement. Drivers interested in joining the team can explore opportunities and apply here.

For more information or to explore driving opportunities, click here.

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Top Truck Driver Job Boards to Explore

TruckDriversUSA
TruckDriversUSA is designed exclusively for truck drivers. It offers detailed filters so you can search by license class, pay, route type, company, and experience needed. Real-time job alerts notify you as soon as new relevant jobs are posted. The straightforward application process connects you directly to employers seeking CDL drivers nationwide. This focus means you avoid sorting through unrelated listings.

Indeed
Indeed offers a massive number of truck driving jobs nationwide. It lets you filter results by driver type and location, and provides company reviews and salary information. However, some listings may not be specific to truck driving, requiring additional filtering.

ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter allows you to upload your resume once and apply to multiple jobs easily. Its matching technology suggests positions based on your profile and sends job alerts. While it covers many industries, its trucking section is sizable but less tailored to trucking-specific needs.

EveryTruckJob
EveryTruckJob is a trucking-focused site featuring many free job listings. It provides basic but useful filtering tools by truck type, route, or location. The simple interface and volume of postings make it a convenient option.

MeetATruckDriver.com
MeetATruckDriver lets drivers and employers create profiles for more personal connections. It distributes postings through partnerships with other trucking sites for wider exposure.

Choosing the Right Job Board

Each platform has unique strengths. Using multiple sites can increase your chances of finding the best fit. TruckDriversUSA offers specialized trucking job filtering and instant alerts. Other boards like Indeed and ZipRecruiter provide access to a broad array of listings, but require more filtering to find exactly trucking roles.

Start your search today by exploring truck driving job openings at TruckDriversUSA and beyond to find the right opportunity to match your career goals.

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But beyond the numbers, what does this actually mean for drivers like you today?

Growing Demand, More Freight, More Chances

Even with the ups and downs in recent years, freight hauling is still going strong. Online shopping keeps booming, and businesses need trucks to keep things moving. That means more work and, hopefully, better pay if you play your cards right.

Specializing in hot spots like refrigerated goods or regional hauls might just open up steadier gigs. The ATA predicts freight volume will keep climbing through 2025, so the demand for drivers isn’t going anywhere.

Technology and Teamwork Make a Difference

With millions of trucks on the road, the industry’s gotten smarter. Tools like load boards and routing apps help you plan better and avoid wasted miles. Staying connected with carriers and shippers means less downtime and more steady runs.

You’re not just out there alone anymore — tech is making it easier to find loads and get paid quicker.

Parking is Getting Some Attention

Parking has always been a headache for drivers. But the good news is there’s federal money now going into building more truck parking spots and improving rest areas. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is helping push those projects forward.

That means more places to park safely during your breaks, which everyone knows makes a huge difference.

Roads Are Improving, Slowly but Surely

The roads and bridges we drive on aren’t exactly perfect, but investments are coming. More funds are being poured into fixing highways and easing congestion, which should make your trips smoother and less hard on your truck.

Better infrastructure means fewer unexpected repairs and less time stuck in traffic.

Staying Ahead in a Crowded Field

Knowing how many trucks are out there helps you see the bigger picture. The key is to stay updated on industry changes, whether new rules, tech trends, or freight demands.

Finding your niche — like hauling specialty loads or regional runs — could give you a leg up in this busy field.

Bottom Line

About 3 million semi trucks on the road mean trucking is alive and kicking. For drivers, that means plenty of chances to find good work and grow your career if you keep learning and adapting.

The post How Many Semi Trucks Are on the Road in the US and What It Means for Drivers Right Now appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Matyka, a skilled flatbed driver, began his career with Roehl Transport in March 1984. He joined the company after hearing great things from a friend who had recently signed on. Roehl was a much smaller operation at that time, employing around 140 drivers. Early in his career, Matyka remembers connecting with another Roehl driver over the CB radio during a Michigan route. That driver was none other than Rick Roehl, who has since risen to become the company’s CEO, leading a workforce that now exceeds 3,000 team members.

“Alan demonstrates our cornerstone value of safety with every mile he drives. Thank you for your commitment, professionalism and dedication,” said CEO Rick Roehl, praising Matyka’s remarkable accomplishment.

A Lifelong Passion for Driving

Growing up on a farm in Wisconsin, Matyka discovered his passion for driving at a young age. Whether it was navigating a tractor, maneuvering a lawn mower, or hitting the road in a truck, driving came naturally to him. “Being a truck driver just fit,” Matyka explained. “I’ve got to have a steering wheel in my hands. You can always look back and see what you’ve done.”

Throughout his career, Matyka remained committed to constant improvement. He kept a close eye on other drivers, learning from their actions and finding smarter ways to approach challenges. This growth mindset helped him achieve the incredible feat of 5 million accident-free miles, making him only the second driver in Roehl’s history to accomplish this.

Reflecting on his decades behind the wheel, Matyka shared, “Everything you’ve got in life is attributed to having a good, steady job.”

What’s Next for Matyka?

With an illustrious career now behind him, Matyka looks forward to spending more time at home, focusing on projects around his property. That love for driving hasn’t disappeared, though. Whether on the highway or in his backyard, Matyka will always enjoy being behind the wheel.

“I’m going to go home and mow the grass and watch it grow for once,” he joked.

Source:  Truckers News
Source: Roehl Transport

The post Roehl Transport Driver Celebrates 5 Million Safe Miles and 40 Years on the Road appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“There’s nothing better than sitting over in that passenger seat and watching the driver over here and seeing that big old smile because they just did something,” Hallada said. “They accomplished a maneuver they never thought they could do.”

Addressing the Truck Driver Shortage

The trucking industry is facing a pressing need for skilled drivers, with hundreds of thousands of job openings expected yearly. Veriha Trucking’s academy offers a comprehensive training program designed to prepare individuals for careers on the road. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on driving experience to give students the skills they need for the job.

“We not only teach you the fundamentals of driving a truck, but we teach you how to drive a truck,” Hallada emphasized. “How to survive out on the road, how to pick up loads. The day-to-day operation of the truck.”

Financial Support Makes Training Accessible

Tim Kordula, the safety, training, and development director at Veriha, shared how the academy is making training more affordable for students.

“We just received a grant from the state of Wisconsin that will reimburse Wisconsin-resident students half of their tuition,” Kordula explained. “They can come here, get their CDL, and we’re going to reimburse them half their tuition. If they decide to stay on with Veriha, we will reimburse them the other half after a year.”

While the academy’s training program spans six weeks, students also receive four weeks of paid training once they join the Veriha team, which has helped boost retention rates.

A Personalized Approach to Training

Veriha’s academy isn’t just for over-the-road drivers. For Joe Krueger, co-owner of Chipper Guys Tree Service in Wausaukee, the academy was a way to enhance his family business by earning his CDL.

“It’s not like a big tech school where you’re getting grouped in with a bunch of people,” Krueger shared. “It’s a little more personalized.”

Preparing Drivers for Success

The ultimate goal at Veriha Driving Academy is to provide students with the skills and confidence to succeed as truck drivers.

“I believe we take it a step further and we actually turn these folks into living, breathing truck drivers,” Hallada said. “They’re going to be safe; they’re going to be productive and be able to do the job by the time we’re done with them.”

A Path to a Stable Career

Training programs like Veriha Driving Academy play a vital role in preparing the next generation of skilled drivers as the trucking industry continues to grow. With comprehensive training and real-world experience, individuals are equipped with the tools they need to pursue a long-term and successful career in trucking. For more information visit Veriha’s Website.

Source: Spectrum News 1
Image Source: Spectrum News 1/ Nathan Phelps

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Below, we’ll explore the key factors that differentiate local and OTR trucking careers, helping you evaluate which option best suits your preferences.

Time at Home

Local Trucking

Local trucking is an excellent option for drivers who value staying close to family or managing personal commitments. Local truckers usually operate on regional routes, which allows them to return home every evening or at least a few times a week. Whether it’s attending a family dinner or managing household responsibilities, local trucking tends to provide a more stable work-life balance.

OTR Trucking

OTR drivers often spend weeks on the road, taking long-haul routes across state lines or even coast-to-coast. While this lifestyle appeals to those who enjoy traveling and experiencing new places, it can be a tough adjustment for drivers who prioritize family time or a consistent schedule.

Work Schedule and Control

Local Trucking

Local drivers typically work set shifts, providing a predictable daily routine. Many local routes follow regular business hours, with weekends or holidays off, offering more opportunities for personal time.

OTR Trucking

Flexibility is both a perk and a challenge of OTR trucking. Drivers often have irregular schedules, including night shifts, weekends, and holiday work. While some drivers appreciate the flexibility to plan their own trip pacing, the lack of a fixed routine may be a downside for those seeking more structure.

Pay and Benefits

Local Trucking

Local truck drivers earn competitive wages, often through hourly pay or daily rates. However, their overall earnings might not reach the same level as OTR drivers due to the shorter routes and fewer hours. Local jobs frequently include robust benefits packages, such as healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off, especially with smaller, family-owned businesses.

OTR Trucking

OTR drivers generally earn more due to the extended hours, longer distances, and time spent away from home. Many companies offer additional income opportunities, such as bonuses for mileage, safety performance, or long-haul deliveries. While the pay may look appealing, depending on the employer, OTR roles may come with less comprehensive benefits than local trucking jobs.

Job Stability and Career Progression

Local Trucking

Local roles usually provide steadier schedules and reliable routes. This stability often leads to longer-term job security, and many local companies also offer career growth opportunities, including promotions or specialized training programs. The increasing need for regional deliveries ensures continued demand for local truck drivers.

OTR Trucking

OTR positions often offer greater variety, allowing drivers to explore cross-country routes and transport diverse types of freight. However, job stability can sometimes be affected by market conditions, such as fuel prices and seasonal shipping demands. Drivers working for large national carriers may benefit from more growth opportunities than those employed by smaller firms.

Physical and Mental Demands

Local Trucking

Taking shorter trips and operating within limited areas means local trucking tends to be less physically and mentally taxing. Drivers enjoy shorter hours behind the wheel, which reduces fatigue and health risks associated with prolonged sitting. Additionally, local trucking often involves less isolation, with drivers returning home daily to their support networks.

OTR Trucking

The demands of OTR trucking are typically higher, as drivers spend extended periods on the road. Long hours, insufficient physical activity, and the isolation of driving alone can pose challenges to physical and mental health. However, proactive habits like regular exercise and staying connected with friends and family can help mitigate these challenges.

Lifestyle Differences

Local Trucking

Local trucking is an obvious choice for individuals who prioritize work-life balance. Consistent home time allows local drivers to maintain personal relationships, enjoy hobbies, and participate in daily family activities. This flexibility creates a more stable lifestyle for those with significant personal obligations.

OTR Trucking

For adventurous spirits who enjoy exploring new places, OTR trucking offers a unique lifestyle filled with cross-country travels. However, time away from home can strain relationships and make it difficult to meet family commitments. Adjusting to life on the road requires high independence and the ability to adapt to changing environments.

Choosing the Right Fit

Ultimately, the decision between local and OTR trucking comes down to what you value most in your career.

• If you prioritize being home regularly, having a predictable work schedule, and enjoying a steady lifestyle, local trucking is likely the better fit.

• OTR trucking offers exciting opportunities for those seeking higher pay, the thrill of hitting the open road, and the freedom to travel.

Both options come with rewards and challenges, so evaluating your personal needs and long-term career goals is key. With the growing demand for skilled drivers in both sectors, there’s never been a better time to choose the role that aligns with your unique priorities.

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