Americans Like Trucking

While many in the industry feel misunderstood, a new poll shows significant support

Looking at how trucking and truck drivers are covered in the media — or in TV shows and movies — it seems that the industry does not have a lot of fans among the general public. A recent poll done for the American Trucking Associations (ATA) delivers good news. Most people understand that truckers are among the safest drivers on the road, and appreciate that the industry moves most of the nation’s goods.

Some of the key findings:

• 60% of those polled view the trucking industry favorably – higher than their ratings for railroads and airlines.

• 91% believe that car drivers are more likely to speed, tailgate or make unsafe maneuvers on the highway than truck drivers.

• 70% believe car drivers are more likely to be at fault in a car/truck collision. (This aligns with the facts – 80% of such crashes are caused by the driver of the automobile.)

• 81% believe truckers are safer drivers and one of the most common answers when asked to describe the industry was that truck drivers are hard-working.

Those who express concern about trucking cite overworked, and therefore unsafe, drivers; trucks damaging the infrastructure, ruining the environment and causing traffic congestion.

About half of those surveyed know somebody who works in trucking, and that helps to improve the image of the industry. The pollsters conclude that these “trucking ambassadors” should be encouraged to spread the word to more people, and speak positively about the industry.