SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Platform Science is releasing its inaugural Driver Experience Report, a nationwide survey of more than 1,100 commercial drivers on factors like pay and technology that most influence their job satisfaction.
“The findings arrive at a critical moment for the trucking industry,” Platform Science said. “According to the American Trucking Associations, the U.S. could face a shortfall of 160,000 drivers by 2030 without meaningful improvements to the driver experience. Driver churn remains high – and every job turned over results in an estimated $13,000 in costs for recruiting, onboarding, and training.”
The report provides data-driven insights into truckers’ perspectives on topics like communication, compensation, safety, and long-term retention, establishing what Platform Science believes are the industry’s first benchmark metrics for tracking driver experience.
Key Report Findings
- Pay is important, but not the only thing: Competitive compensation remains essential, but drivers consistently cited broken promises, unclear pay structures, and lack of transparency as major sources of frustration.
- Technology is not a neutral factor: While more than half of respondents (52%) say technology influences their decision to stay with or leave a fleet, drivers are sharply divided on its impact: 53% say technology makes their job harder, while 47% say it makes their job easier. Poorly implemented tools – too many apps, confusing workflows, unreliable equipment, or unclear policies – can actively push drivers to consider other options.
- Safety and equipment matter deeply: Reliable equipment, consistently functioning technology, and streamlined safety workflows contribute directly to both confidence behind the wheel and long-term driver loyalty.
- Communication and respect boost driver retention: Drivers emphasized the importance of honest, consistent communication between drivers, dispatch, and leadership, as well as mutual respect across the organization. Feeling informed rather than surprised is tied closely to job satisfaction.
What Drivers Really Want
“As an industry, we talk a lot about drivers, but far less often do we hear directly from them at scale. This report changes that,” said Michael Bray, CCO, Platform Science. “More than 1,100 drivers told us—clearly and candidly—what matters most. The message is consistent: pay matters, but so does trust, communication, and technology that actually works.”
Actionable Recommendations
The Driver Experience Report outlines practical, actionable recommendations for fleets looking to improve driver experience and retention, including:
- Building trust through transparency and follow-through.
- Setting and keeping clear expectations around pay, schedules and miles.
- Involving drivers early when evaluating or deploying new technology.
- Choosing integrated, driver-first tools that reduce cognitive load and daily friction.
“By establishing a clear baseline for driver sentiment in 2026, Platform Science aims to help fleets measure progress over time and make more informed decisions about where to invest,” the company said.
The 2026 Driver Experience Report is available now. Access the full report here.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
