The Best Truck Driving Songs for Your Journey

Professional drivers spend an average of 11 hours per day behind the wheel, working to deliver essential freight to their destinations. While there are many options for entertainment while driving, nothing compares to a song about life on the road! Long-haul trucking entails such unique circumstances that many artists have released music to pay homage to this iconic lifestyle. This topic spans many cultural decades of music and is still relevant today! Whether you’re into oldies or the new wave, keep reading to learn about the trucker songs that deserve a spot on your next playlist!

Trucking Songs Powering Through Social Reform (1960-1975)

The 60s and early 70s were a period of rapidly evolving societal norms and expectations. Sparked by World War II, the increased demand for consumer goods led to exponential growth of the American trucking industry. The trucking industry commonly considers this turning point the beginning of the “Golden Age”! Some of the most iconic released trucking songs in this period include:

• “Phantom 309” – Red Sovine
  • This spoken-word song, released in 1967, tells the story of John William Trudelle. He was a tanker truck driver who tragically passed away in a fiery crash after swerving to avoid a school bus of children. The urban legend is that he still drives his phantom rig and occasionally picks up hitchhikers along that road.

• “Convoy” – C.W. McCall
  • Based on actual protests from the time, this 1975 novelty song is about a band of truckers. They teamed up to drive across the country in a demonstration of imposed speed limits and fines.

• “Truckin’” – Grateful Dead
  • Although this 1970 rock song references the band’s experience on the road, its message also relates to truckers. Life on the highway is a journey full of highs and lows, but ultimately, it is one of adventure!

Driving in an Advancing Society (1976-1995)

Pop culture, materialism, and increased consumerism characterized the 80s and early 90s. As truckers rolled into this time,  they saw many changes in their line of work. Technological advances quickly swept through the industry as the sun began to set on the “Golden Age” of trucking. Still, at this time, some great hit truck driving songs about the trucking lifestyle stole the scene:

• “Big Wheels in the Moonlight” – Dan Seals
  • A young man who narrates this 1988 country song relays his childhood memories of watching semi-trucks drive along the highway. He often dreamt of the day that he would become a truck driver.

• “Life is a Highway” – Tom Cochrane
  • This popular 1991 tune, later rerecorded by Rascal Flatts, is an upbeat rendition of living life on the highway. It adopts the theme of working hard to persevere through challenges.

• “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” – Kathy Mattea
  • Released in 1987, this country song tells a touching story about a truck driver on his last run after 30 years on the road. He is eager to make it home to his wife and spend the rest of his life by her side.

Trucker Songs About Driving During Dynamic Change (1996 – Present)

As pop culture continued to advance into the 2000s, the trucking industry also faced adjustments. Modern technology has made its way into the daily lives of truckers and how they manage their hauls and schedules. This revolution extended to entertainment – radio was slowly overtaken by MP3 players and cell phones. In this modern era, drivers can easily stream popular trucker songs that top the charts, capturing the essence of long-haul adventures:

• “Asphalt Cowboy” – Jason Aldean
  • This country hit from 2005 tells the standard tale of a truck driver who misses his wife but keeps moving forward.

• “Born Ready” – Steve Moakler
  • This 2018 patriotic song praises American truck drivers for working hard through adversity to get their job done.

• “I’ve Been Everywhere” – Johnny Cash
  • In this 1996 country release, a hitchhiker describes his travels – far and wide. This story resonates with all long-haul truckers who have the lucky opportunity to see America like many never will!

Trucker Songs: Honorable Mentions

There are so many great songs about the trucking lifestyle. We couldn’t quite fit them all in, so here are some honorable mentions that also deserve a listen:

• “Six Days on the Road” – Dave Dudley
• “Wagon Wheel” – Old Crow Medicine Show
• “Roll On (Eighteen-Wheeler)” – Alabama
• “On the Road Again” – Willie Nelson
• “Brothers of the Highway” – Tony Justice
• “Trucker Man” – Gretchen Wilson

Get Your Truck Driving Career Started at Diesel Driving Academy

We can’t end this blog about trucker songs without mentioning our very own TV jingle! Many remember our local commercial with the catchy tune. The words still ring true today – Diesel Driving Academy will teach you all you need to know! Our experienced instructors and staff will put you on the road to earning your Class A CDL and a successful truck driving career.

Let’s end the jingle together – call –1-800-551-8900 (to get started with) Diesel Driving Academy!

We recently updated our fleet, which includes a new trailer design! People in the Ark-La-Tex area are starting to see these great looking trucks on the road now. We think that’s a pretty good lookin’ truck!

After years of research and a recent survey of over 12,000 schools, Diesel Driving Academy has been named a Military Friendly School!® for 2014

We are very proud to be able to train the members of our Armed Forces who have served our country, and excited to be recognized as a school dedicated to providing the highest quality training and service to our veterans.

Diesel Driving Academy is a proud supporter of our men and women in uniform, and is honored to participate in active duty and veterans programs designed to prepare them for careers in the civilian workforce.

The stats coming from the commercial truck industry continue to impress, especially while other industries across the country experienced continued struggles in the post-recession recovery.

The commercial truck industry has been experiencing rapid growth for the past several years and that was evident in 2012 when container volume levels hit a record high with 13.1 million moves.

The news of the industry’s growth is good news for jobseekers because the commercial truck sector is in need of thousands of professionally trained drivers. Those with training from a respected CDL program like the one at the Diesel Driving Academy are especially attractive to carriers who are looking for the best drivers.

According to the Intermodal Association of North America, the container volume level surpassed the previous years total by 5.9 percent and was 9.8 percent higher than the previous record high set in 2007.

According to the Intermodal Association of North America, “containers were the driving factor with volumes topping five million for the first time, reflecting a growth rate of 12.2 percent over 2011 activity. Over a third of the containers moved were 48-foot and 53-foot domestic boxes found on commercial trucks. “For all of 2012, there were 14.632 million intermodal moves, 4 percent higher than 2011’s level,” the report said. “Intermodal trailer volume last year fell 10.1 percent to 1.532 million while all domestic equipment increased 6.5 percent in volume to 7.051 million units while ISO containers gained 1.7 percent to 7.580 million.”

The rise in container volume is further proof that the commercial truck industry is growing. However, many officials believe the growth would be even larger if not for a shortage of professionally trained truck drivers. As demand continue to rise across the country, the demand for drivers grows along with it. Carriers are looking for commercial truck drivers by the thousands and those with professional training from a respected program are having he best success at starting a career in this growing industry.

The CDL training program at the Diesel Driving Academy can be completed in a matter of months and recruiters help students find the perfect truck-driving job that meets their needs. Many students complete the program with multiple opportunities from some of the best truck carriers in the country.

The Diesel Driving Academy offers a CDL training program that is helping job seekers start a long-term career as a professional commercial truck driver, which is especially needed in today’s era of high unemployment. Carriers all across the country are experiencing a shortage of qualified drivers, which makes professional training from a respected school like the Diesel Driving Academy the logical first step in getting work in this growing industry.

Jobs may seem scarce across the country, but the commercial truck industry has more open positions than there are qualified drivers to take them. If you are one of the millions of Americans who are looking for work, especially a position that pays well and offers job security, then the commercial truck industry might be the perfect place for you.

Nationwide economic news remains mixed, but there are signs of growth and the commercial truck industry continues to be a national leader in job creation.

Factory orders showed a 1.8 percent increase in December, a higher than expected growth rate and the third hike in the last four months, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. Factory orders play an important role in commercial trucking growth as more than 70 percent of all manufactured items in the nation end up on the back of a commercial truck at some point.

The total factory output in 2012 showed a growth rate of 3 percent, a number that may seem small, but any sign of growth in the American economy is welcomed news as the nation continues to recover from the Great Recession. Consider the fact that growth is also taking place in manufacturing, home construction and auto sales, all of which have a positive impact on the trucking sector.

Other economic data that was recently announced from December includes unemployment figures, which showed the country added 157,000 jobs to put the nationwide interview at 7.8 percent. Despite the fact that the unemployment rate remains relatively high – at least compared to prerecession levels – the commercial truck industry is one sector of the economy that continues to add thousands of jobs each month. The commercial truck industry added 5,000 jobs in December, a number that could have been larger if not for a nationwide shortage of professionally trained truck drivers.

The commercial truck industry offers a stable career with higher than average starting pay. This career also offers a unique challenge and positions on both short- and long-haul routes are in demand. That is why many jobseekers are considering a career as a professional truck driver, which offers higher than average starting pay and a stable career. The commercial truck industry has been experiencing strong growth in recent years and many labor experts predict that another 500,000 professionally trained commercial truck drivers may be needed over the next decade.

That means drivers with professional training from a respected driver training program, like Diesel Driving Academy, jobseekers are finding success in landing a job at some of the nation’s top trucking firms. Recruiters at Diesel Driving Academy work with some of the nation’s top truck carriers to help students find the job they are looking for in this growing field.

If slow economic growth and high unemployment numbers have you down, then consider the fact that the commercial truck industry is one sector where rapid growth is taking place and hiring is happening by the thousands. The demand for quality truck drivers remains high and those with the right training are finding a new career in this growing industry.

Almost half of all commercial truck carriers say a shortage of quality drivers is holding back business, according to an industry survey.

CK Commercial Vehicle Research recently announced the results of its first quarter Fleet Sentiment Report, which showed positive signs for medium and heavy commercial truck purchases.

The report includes a survey of commercial truck carriers and 43 percent said they are impacted by a shortage of truck drivers.

The report also showed that carriers are looking for professionally trained drivers for many reasons, including the belief that hiring trained truck drivers can lead to better fuel efficiency. “Driver education and experience” was chosen by the largest percentage of survey participants to have a positive impact on fuel efficiency, the report said.

The report highlights a growing trend in the commercial truck industry and that is that carriers are in high demand for professionally trained drivers. Those drivers with professional CDL training are not only more likely to be hired, but they also enjoy higher than average starting salaries and a better chance for future advancement.

One of the places employers look to for professionally trained truck drivers is the Diesel Driving Academy, which have one of the most respected training programs in the nation.

At Diesel Driving Academy’s CDL training program students learn the necessary skills to feel confident in their abilities as a professional truck driver. Students also enjoy small class sizes with individualized instruction as they prepare for a career in this growing industry where trained applicants are the most desired applicants.

The Diesel Driving Academy offer a CDL training program that is helping jobseekers start a long-term career as a professional commercial truck driver, which is especially needed in today’s era of high unemployment. Carriers all across the country are experiencing a shortage of qualified drivers, which makes professional training from a respected school like the Diesel Driving Academy the logical first step in getting work in this growing industry.

The commercial truck industry has been expiring rapid growth for the past few years and the future looks even brighter. Even before the economy began to show signs of improvement, the commercial trucking industry was already growing. Now that sectors like manufacturing and construction are starting to slowly grow, the truck industry is experiencing even more growth. The growth in the commercial trucking industry is causing many truck carriers to hire thousands of new drivers every month, but it is professionally trained drivers who are in the highest demand by carriers desperate to find more drivers.

Carriers continue to look for the nation’s best drivers and we believe that the best drivers are being trained at Diesel Driving Academy.

Students of the CDL training program at Diesel Driving Academy are finding that with the right kind of training, good paying jobs can be found in today’s economy.

The commercial truck industry has shown a demand for professionally trained truck drivers for the past few years and that demand is only getting bigger. Unemployment remains relatively high across the country, but jobseekers with skills and training as a truck driver are finding multiple job opportunities.

Employers in the commercial truck industry are desperately seeking more drivers to help them keep up with growing demand and many carriers turn to Diesel Driving Academy.

The demand on the commercial truck industry continues to grow and carriers are becoming flooded with business, but many are having a hard time keeping up as there are too few professionally trained workers than can help meet the demand. In fact, there is a competition among carriers for professionally trained drivers, making the jobseekers with professional training a hot commodity in today’s employment field.

The CDL training program at Diesel Driving Academy can be completed in a matter of months and recruiters help students find the perfect truck-driving job that meets their needs. For jobseekers looking to enter the growing commercial truck industry, the CDL training program at DDA is one of the best first steps.

Diesel Driving Academy offers a CDL training program that is helping job seekers start a long-term career as a professional commercial truck driver, which is especially needed in today’s era of high unemployment. Carriers all across the country are experiencing a shortage of qualified drivers, which makes professional training from a respected school like the Diesel Driving Academy the logical first step in getting work in this growing industry.

The commercial truck industry has been expiring rapid growth for the past few years and the future looks even brighter. Even before the economy began to show signs of improvement, the commercial trucking industry was already growing. Now that sectors like manufacturing and construction are starting to slowly grow, the truck industry is experiencing even more growth. The growth in the commercial trucking industry is causing many truck carriers to hire thousands of new drivers every month, but it is professionally trained drivers who are in the highest demand by carriers desperate to find more drivers.

Jobs may seem scarce across the country, but the commercial truck industry has more open positions than there are qualified drivers to take them. If you are one of the millions of Americans who are looking for work, especially a position that pays well and offers job security, then the commercial truck industry might be the perfect place for you and Diesel Driving Academy is the school to help you launch your new career.

Few skilled workers have a better opportunity for employment than those with professional training as a commercial truck driver.

Applicants with CDL training are in high demand these days as carriers all across the country are looking for thousands of commercial truck drivers each month. A nationwide driver shortage has become a challenge for an industry that is growing, but it has created an advantage for those applicants with professional training from a respected CDL training program like the one at Diesel Driving Academy.

Because there are not enough professionally trained drivers to meet demand, many truck carriers are forced to hire drivers with little to no training, which results in a high turnover rate. However, drivers with professional training show a better chance at stability because they understand what it takes to make it in this challenging career field.

Applicants with professional CDL training also enjoy higher than average starting pay and are more likely to be promoted.

The commercial truck industry is showing rapid growth as the economy continues its recovery. However, some believe the commercial truck industry could be growing even faster if not for the driver shortage. The American Trucking Associations has estimated that there is a current need for 20,000 to 25,000 big-shipment, long-distance commercial truck drivers. When considering the expected rise in the industry over the next few years, as many as 100,000 new commercial truck driving jobs could be available in the next 10 years, the report said.

A combination of growing routes, a growing economy and thousands of drivers preparing to enter retirement has created a severe shortage of professionally trained drivers. Truck carriers are ready to hire drivers today, but they are unable to find the right kinds of drivers, and that is holding back some of the potential of the growing truck industry.
If you are one of the millions of Americans looking for work – or have given up looking for work – the commercial truck driver industry may be a great option. Carriers all across the country are desperately looking for more commercial truck drivers, but they especially need those drivers with professional training and those that have completed a respected driver’s training program, like the one at Diesel Driving Academy.

Labor experts expect the commercial truck industry to continue to grow in the coming months and that will mean the demand for drivers will only get bigger. Carriers are looking to fill vacant positions with drivers, but they are especially interested in professionally trained drivers that have a better success rate at lasting in this career, which can be challenging at times. As manufacturing, construction and auto sales all continue to show growth, the commercial truck industry will also grow and thousands of more drivers will be needed to help meet the growing demand.

The shortage of commercial truck drivers, especially those in the early stages of their career, continues to grow and it’s a problem that is plaguing both the United States and Canada.

The shortage of young drivers has been well documented in America but now the Canadian truck industry is reporting that its carriers are also having a hard time finding enough truck drivers to meet demand.

A new Conference Board of Canada report concludes that the gap between the supply of drivers and the demand for them – estimated at 25,000 by 2020 – could be costly to the Canadian economy.

“The food we eat, the goods that we enjoy and even the homes we live in are in large part delivered by trucks,” said Vijay Gill, principal research associate with the CBC. “The inability to meet a huge demand for drivers could be costly for the trucking industry, consumer goods and the Canadian economy.”

Like America, commercial trucks move the majority of goods in Canada and the nation’s largest trading partner is the United States. Growth in manufacturing, retail and wholesale trade industries across North America has led to an increase demand for commercial truck services and that demand is expected to grow substantially over the next several years.

Like Canada, America’s truck industry is seeing thousands of drivers enter retirement each year and that number is expected to grow as the average age of today’s professional truck driver is well over 50. That is why many truck carriers are seeking younger drivers who are willing to start a new career in one of the fastest growing job sectors in America. However, those carriers are looking for a new generation of drivers with professional training from a respected CDL training program.

A career as a commercial truck driver can be a great fit for jobseekers of any age, but it is an especially promising career for younger workers, especially those that receive professional training from a respected program like Diesel Driving Academy. Diesel Driving Academy has a staff of phenomenal instructors, and recruiters are working with students to help them find the best truck driving job after they compete the CDL program. Many students completing the CDL training program at DDA are finding multiple job opportunities because the demand for new drivers is so high.

At Diesel Driving Academy, students are being prepared for a bright and long-term career as a professional truck driver. The demand for drivers is high, but the majority of carriers are looking for drivers with experience and professional CDL training, and Diesel Driving Academy is helping to create the next generation of American truck drivers.

Students of the CDL training program at Diesel Driving Academy are put in the driver’s seat of their career path as many complete the program with multiple job offers and opportunities.

Professionally trained commercial truck drivers are in high demand and the trucking sector is one of the fastest growing industries in America. That growth has led many carriers to be in need of thousands of drivers each month, but it is those drivers with professional training that the best carriers are looking for.

Truck carriers of all sizes are looking for more drivers and it’s a challenge that is actually holding the industry back from growing even more. Both long- and short-haul routes are being added every day as freight orders rise. Improvements in construction, manufacturing and auto sales have all contributed to the rapid growth currently being experienced by the commercial truck industry.

Working as a commercial truck driver offers many advantages, including good pay and benefits, the chance for flexibility and the ability to work in a non-traditional work environment. This career also offers a unique challenge and positions on both short- and long-haul routes are in demand. That is why many jobseekers are considering a career as a professional truck driver, which offers higher than average starting pay and a stable career. The commercial truck industry has been experiencing strong growth in recent years and many labor experts predict that another 500,000 professionally trained commercial truck drivers may be needed over the next decade.

That means drivers with professional training from a respected driver training program, like Diesel Driving Academy, are finding success in landing a job at some of the nation’s top trucking firms. Recruiters at Diesel Driving Academy work with some of the nation’s top truck carriers to help students find the job they are looking for in this growing field. In fact, many students at Diesel Driving Academy complete the driver training program with multiple job offers because the demand for professionally trained truck drivers is so high.

In addition to offering good pay and stability, a career as a commercial truck driver offers chances for advancement, especially for drivers with professional training and experience. Because the demand for commercial truck drivers is expected to continue for several years, new drivers can feel comfortable with the fact that they are working in an industry that offers stability and a chance for growth. Carriers have thousands of job vacancies right now, but as more drivers enter retirement and the number of routes increases as the economy grows, even more commercial truck drivers will be needed in the future.

If you are someone who is looking for a new career in a growing industry then becoming a commercial truck driver could be the right step for you. There is no better way to launch a career as a truck driver than by completing the training program at Diesel Driving Academy, which is training the next generation of truck drivers.