Why a Government Shutdown Might Mess Up Your Route

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

You're not flying a 747... but if the FAA shuts down, your next load might go down with it.

Yep, we’re talkin’ about another possible government shutdown — and while it sounds like some political mess that only affects D.C. and cable news junkies, truckers know better.

If Uncle Sam hits pause, your route could get wrecked, real quick.

Let’s break it down.

Shutdowns Don’t Just Ground Planes

The FAA recently raised alarms about what could happen if the government shuts down.

Air traffic control? Frozen or short-staffed.

Emergency flights? Delayed.

Cargo planes? Grounded.

“But I ain’t flyin’ freight,” you might say.

True…
But when the sky gets clogged, the roads get crowded.
And when ports, federal checkpoints, and inspections start slowing down?

Guess who’s sittin’ in traffic, burning $5/gal diesel and watching the clock?

What Truckers Saw During the LAST Shutdown

If you were rolling back in the last major shutdown, you already know:

Customs and border delays doubled up

Permits were late or left in limbo

Rest areas with federal funding? Closed

Dispatch? Confused

Shippers? Ghosting like it’s Halloween

One driver outta Memphis put it this way:

"It felt like the whole country just said, ‘Good luck, trucker.’"

How This Hits YOUR Route

Let’s get specific.

If a shutdown hits:

Airspace disruptions = more freight shifting to ground = tighter capacity

Federal roads near military zones, ports, or airports? Expect random reroutes

DOT & FMCSA support? Minimal staffing = fewer answers

Permit offices closed = can’t haul oversize, hazmat, or special loads

State + Fed programs like IFTA reporting? Delayed... or messy

Now imagine trying to explain all that to your broker when you're already late.

But Wait, There’s Another Layer: Safety

During past shutdowns:

Some Weigh Stations shut down, but not all

Highway patrol thinned out, especially at night

Cargo thefts increased, especially near ports and rest stops

Thieves love chaos.
Less oversight = more opportunity.
Especially for solo drivers running high-value freight on tight schedules.

Who Gets Hit the Hardest?

Let’s call it like it is. If you’re in one of these categories, you’re in the splash zone:

• Expedited drivers – loads that rely on air + ground coordination
• Port haulers – especially in Cali, Texas, New Jersey
• Cross-border carriers – Mexico or Canada loads tied up in customs chaos
• Government or military contract haulers – no funding = no loads = you wait

And owner-ops with no dispatcher or backup?
You’re on your own when that delay hits.

Why This Always Feels Like a Surprise

Here’s the kicker:
Shutdowns happen every few years, and every time, folks act shocked.

But this ain’t new.

It’s what happens when Congress can’t pass a budget, and the money that keeps agencies running dries up.

The result?
A whole lot of “We’re not sure who’s working today” — and in trucking, that means confusion, frustration, and delay.

Bottom Line: Be Ready, Not Sorry

If there’s one thing drivers hate, it’s being blindsided.

That’s why now’s the time to:

Prep backup routes

Confirm what loads might be federally connected

Don’t depend on port freight or air cargo

Double-check your permits and deadlines

Let your broker know you ain’t playin' when it comes to detention time

Because if a shutdown hits?
Your clock’s still ticking.

Don’t Let Politics Park Your Paycheck

Whether you’re hauling mail, motors, or milk — you’re not just a driver.
You’re part of the system that keeps America breathing.

But if that system breaks down?

👉 Be ready to shift lanes.
👉 Learn new skills.
👉 Start building income that doesn’t depend on freight flow.

✅ Go to LifeAsATrucker.com
to learn the trucking game for real
✅ Visit OffDutyMoney.com
to start earning while you sleep, not just while you drive

Because shutdown or not — freedom’s the ultimate freight.