CDLLife Community Survey: Behind the Wheel Insights

At CDLLife, we understand that truck drivers are the backbone of our economy, tirelessly navigating the roads to keep goods moving. But, does your company truly know what keeps them moving?

We surveyed the nation’s largest and most engaged audience of truck drivers to help better inform the industry on what factors influence their values, jobs, purchasing decisions, and more.

The results offer valuable insights into what drives our community and how we can better cater to their unique needs. For businesses operating in the trucking industry, building a positive reputation and fostering word-of-mouth recommendations can significantly impact job applications or purchasing behavior. By delivering quality products and earning the trust of truckers, companies can gain a competitive edge and establish long-term relationships within our industry.

Take a look at what we uncovered.
* Results based on 1,177 survey respondents

What do truckers value?

Respect & Patriotism

Respect within the trucking community is a deeply ingrained value that drives interactions and relationships. Our survey revealed truckers place an overwhelming emphasis on prioritizing respect with their interactions in the community, with an average rating of 5.3 out of 6.

How much do you prioritize respect in your interactions within a trucking community?

Another considerable rating of 4.9 for patriotism highlights the connection truck drivers feel to their country, making their commitment to their role not just a job but a patriotic duty.

To what extent does a sense of patriotism influence your commitment and dedication to your role as a truck driver?

Understanding the importance of respect and patriotism to truck drivers sheds light on the values that shape their professional conduct and personal identity. Acknowledging and aligning with these values can foster stronger connections with drivers and enhance brand loyalty.

News & Community

Nearly half of respondents actively engage in industry-related forums or online communities, with 49.8% indicating they do so. A majority of respondents, 59.1%, were “extremely” interested in staying updated on the latest news in trucking

This highlights a strong desire for connection and information-sharing within the trucking community.

A sense of community and access to relevant news are essential for fostering a supportive environment and empowering truckers with the information they need to navigate challenges effectively. 42.4% of respondents found a sense of community among truck drivers ‘extremely’ important to their overall job satisfaction.

For businesses looking to engage with truck drivers, providing platforms for community interaction and delivering valuable industry insights can enhance their brand reputation and credibility.

Life Outside of the Truck

When it comes to interests outside of work, outdoor activities emerged as the top choice among respondents, followed by DIY projects and sports.

Recognizing truckers' interests and hobbies beyond their professional duties humanizes them and shows a deeper understanding of their lifestyle. For companies seeking to engage with truck drivers, acknowledging and supporting their extracurricular passions can strengthen relationships and demonstrate genuine care for their well-being.

What really drives truckers?

Career Motivations

The potential for career growth was revealed to be a significant motivator for truck drivers, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 6. Additionally, job stability was deemed highly important by the vast majority, with 92.9% indicating it as a significant driving factor in their career choice.

Support

During challenging times, truck drivers are primarily motivated by a supportive work environment, followed by incentives and rewards, and personal growth opportunities. Recognition also plays a role, highlighting the importance of acknowledgment and support from employers.

What motivates you the most during challenging times in your career?

By offering pathways for advancement and ensuring job security, companies can attract and retain top talent, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and thriving workforce.

What influences their spending?

Purchase Decisions

Brand reputation and peer recommendations were found to be influential factors in purchasing decisions for trucks, with average ratings of 4.7 and 4.3. This underscores the importance of trust and word-of-mouth within the industry.

Understanding Drivers' Needs

Truck drivers expressed a moderate level of confidence in truck manufacturers' understanding of their specific needs and preferences, with an average rating of 3.7 out of 6. This suggests room for improvement in tailoring products and services to better meet the demands the workforce.

In your opinion, how well do truck manufacturers understand the specific needs and preferences of truck drivers?

Conclusion

By really understanding the people behind the wheel, companies can build meaningful connections, foster mutual respect, and better support our industry.

Looking to maximize your awareness among the nation's largest community of CDL-A holders?

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