How much rest do truck drivers typically get while out on the road?

by Jeff
(Edmond, OKlahoma, USA)

I am concerned about the amount of rest truckers get while out on the road. How many hours of sleep do they typically get? How often and how many breaks/rests do they typically take in a day?

How many trucking companies fatigue their drivers on a continual basis? I am concerned because I usually need about 9 hours of sleep to function at my best. I can get by with 8 or even 6 but much less than that and I am totally useless.

Also, when does the work day start each morning. I have heard stories about drivers getting up at 2am to start their day.

Is that common?

Thank you guys for all of your help.