The Professional Trucker’s Guide to Nutrition, Sanity & Industry Survival

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

This blog post breaks down key takeaways from a mix of practical tips and industry updates every long-haul driver needs. Each section links to the full article so you can dig in further when you're ready.

🍎 1. Eat Like You Want to Last: Smart Nutrition for the Long Haul

Ditch the sugar crash — go for high-protein snacks like nuts, jerky, and Greek yogurt.

Stay hydrated. Caffeine’s cool, but water keeps your mind sharp and joints greased.

Invest in a cooler to keep fresh meals handy instead of living off roller dogs.

Choose grilled over fried, and skip the jumbo sodas when eating fast food.

Think of your body like your rig — regular maintenance pays off.

👉 Read the full article

🧠 2. Balancing Time, Money & Relationships Without Losing It All

Your paycheck means nothing if you’re drained, broke, and alone.

Set routines for finances, phone calls home, and personal downtime.

Build trust at home by staying consistent and communicating, even if it's just a text.

Track your expenses — even truck stop coffee adds up.

Protect your mental health like it’s part of your pre-trip inspection.

👉 Read the full article

🧯 3. Freight Recession Just Took Out a Legacy Carrier

Another big-name carrier bit the dust — proof that even the “old dogs” aren’t safe.

Layoffs are up, freight rates are down, and volume's tighter than a truck stop at 10pm.

Drivers need to stay sharp — keep your resume updated and side hustles open.

The market’s rough, but it won’t stay this way forever.

Don’t panic — plan. Financial flexibility is king right now.

👉 Read the full article

🔐 4. Cargo Theft on the Rise — New Bill Could Help

Cargo theft’s becoming a full-time gig for crooks.

A bipartisan bill backed by ATA just cleared the first hurdle to combat it.

The law would make it easier to coordinate across states and agencies.

For drivers, that could mean safer hauls and better coverage.

Let’s hope it doesn’t get watered down in committee.

👉 Read the full article

🧾 5. USA Truck Signs $50M Trailer Lease — Smart Move or Sinking Ship?

USA Truck's new lease could boost capacity fast… or bury them in monthly debt.

Short-term leases can be flexible — but they ain’t cheap.

With freight this volatile, every big spend is a gamble.

Drivers should keep an eye on how this plays out — it could impact job security.

Bottom line: fast growth ain’t always smart growth.

👉 Read the full article

⚖️ 6. CDL Purge Pushback: ATA Says “Not So Fast”

The FMCSA floated a plan to purge incomplete CDL data — ATA wasn’t having it.

The fear? Drivers could lose out due to technicalities or outdated files.

The system does need cleaning, but not at the cost of livelihoods.

For now, the plan’s on pause — but keep your records tight just in case.

Always back up your documentation — nobody cares more about your license than you.

👉 Read the full article

🧠 Final Thoughts

Trucking ain’t just about hauling freight — it’s about hauling yourself through some serious mental, physical, and financial terrain.

From eating better and thinking smarter, to watching the industry shifts like a hawk — this roundup shows how small choices stack up to big outcomes.

💥 Stay sharp. Stay fueled. Stay free.

👉 RetireFromTrucking.com
— Exit plan resources & smarter ways to transition
👉 LifeAsATrucker.com
— Real-world trucking insights for every stage of the journey

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