As 2024 ended, we asked readers of Truckers News how the year had been for them. Frankly, the response was pretty dismal; almost half -- 43% -- said it was either their worst year ever as a trucker or a below average year.
We also asked about the year ahead, and the results were considerably better.
We asked you to complete this: "I expect 2025 to be ..." and the results were:
- 44.9% said, "A decent year, better than 2024."
- 19.39% said, "Just a continuation of 2024."
- 14.63% said, "A time to reconsider being a trucker."
- 8.84% said, "An especially good year."
- 4.42% said, "My best year ever as a trucker."
- 4.08% said, "Worse than 2024."
- 3.74% said, "Other."
So far, 2025 has been challenging and demanding for the trucking industry as a whole. It has had to deal with the problems of a continuing freight recession, overcapacity depressing rates, accelerating cargo theft, an uncertain national economy, increased expenses, and driver retention and recruiting difficulties.
Conversely, the federal government recently announced what has been billed as a "pro-trucker" package of changes including $275 million to build more truck parking, regulatory changes including halting the push for mandated speed limiters, and efforts to cut down on double-brokering. It also is undertaking two pilot programs to study possible hours of service changes.
Now, at the halfway point of the year, and against that backdrop, we're checking in to see how things have been for you. So, we're asking:
