If you’re a truck driver who’s thought about getting a four-legged companion for the road, you aren’t alone.
Many drivers hit the road with their furry (and sometimes feathery or scaly!) friend by their side. It’s not uncommon to see a big rig hauling by, with an animal happily looking out the window.
So what is it about pet ownership that makes it so popular among drivers? And is having an animal in your rig worth the fuss? Here’s four reasons truck drivers love their pets…and how you can make traveling with one a snap.
Companionship
You don’t need to tell a truck driver this: life on the road gets pretty lonely, pretty quick. Having a pet along for the ride makes hauling that much easier.
This is likely why dogs are the most popular among truck drivers. It’s no secret that most dogs love car rides, and truck rides by association! For a myriad of reasons, dogs love to kick back, relax and happily watch the world go by. This makes them the perfect companion during the long hours on the road.
That said, some cats, and even birds and reptiles, enjoy life on the road. Animals listen without judging, enjoy music and podcasts without complaining, and genuinely seem proud of their driver once a hard day’s work is done.
Protection
For many drivers, especially if they’re women, having a large dog along for the ride can provide an extra layer of safety. If you’re a driver stopped for the night at a remote or unfamiliar truck stop, knowing you have an animal (especially if it’s a breed like a German Shepherd) in your cab is a special kind of reassurance.
If there are any suspicious characters around, just the sight of a dog in a sleeper cab is often enough for them to beat a hasty retreat. For many drivers, that’s the kind of peace of mind money can’t buy.
Help keep you calm in stressful situations
Remember that part about animals “listening without judging”? That comes in handy if you’re a driver who’s just run into traffic or a detour. Your pet will seldom give you the side eye if you utter a few choice words in frustration. They also, however, help you stay calm when road conditions send your stress levels soaring.
Pets are part of our families, so we tend to want to remain calm if they’re watching us. We don’t want to upset them or agitate them. We also don’t want them to start barking or squawking in response! That’s why their mere presence can be enough to help you stay calm.
Pets are often also a visual reminder that as a driver, you’re part of a bigger web of motorists on the road. Their safety and yours depends on you (and everyone else) keeping their heads clear during a literal jam.
Do pets actually help us calm down, though? In fact, science says they do. Which brings us to our final point….
They’re good for your health and can lower blood pressure and cortisol levels!
It’s true: pets aren’t just great for your mental health. They can improve your physical health, too. Here’s why.
Regular interaction with animals helps decrease cortisol, a hormone in your body that’s related to stress. Owning a pet can also help reduce blood pressure, improving your cardiovascular health. That’s something everyone could benefit from, but especially truck drivers!
Studies have shown how people’s health improved after becoming pet owners. In a profession where it can be challenging to stay healthy, like trucking, a furry companion can make all the difference.
Tips and tricks on hauling with a pet
Having your pet with you doesn’t just make trucking easier, it’s better for your health, too. That’s why at Truline, we have a “pets allowed” policy for our drivers who want their companion with them on the road. It’s just one way we like to make life at Truline even better.
Want to find out yourself? Take a look at our current job opportunities, and see how you – and your pet – can join the Truline team today.
