BRENTWOOD, TENN., – Conversion Interactive Agency, the nation’s leading truck driver recruiting solutions provider, in partnership with People. Data. Analytics (PDA), an industry leader in employee retention, feedback, and analytics, have released the results of their Fall 2025 Truck Driver Survey. The report delivers critical insights into the current driver mindset, uncovering shifts in job-seeking behavior, lifestyle priorities, and the growing expectations drivers have for employers.

Recruiting and retaining truck drivers remains a critical challenge for fleets across the industry. While the freight economy continues to fluctuate, driver expectations are becoming more defined and more demanding. Data from the Fall 2025 survey reveals a workforce increasingly focused on lifestyle balance, stability, and respect, with many drivers actively seeking new opportunities that align with their personal and professional priorities.

More than half of drivers surveyed, 56.3%, reported they are currently looking for a new driving job. That’s up from 46.8% in the spring and represents the highest percentage recorded since Conversion and PDA began tracking this data over four years ago. This sharp increase signals a mix of dissatisfaction and instability across the workforce. If the trend continues, fleets could face rising turnover through late 2025 and into 2026.

“We’re seeing one of the most competitive recruiting landscapes in recent memory,” said Brian Johnston, President of Conversion Interactive Agency. “Drivers have more choices, clearer expectations, and less patience. The fleets that win are the ones that move fast, stay responsive, and deliver on what they promise. Speed, respect, and transparency are the new currency of driver recruiting.”

When asked why they are seeking new jobs, 58% of drivers cited improved home time as their top motivator, followed by predictable pay (52.4%) and consistent miles (43.2%). Nearly one in four drivers also reported feeling disrespected at their current job, a telling statistic that highlights the ongoing need for better culture and communication.

“Retention starts with respect,” said Scott Dismuke, VP of Operations at PDA. “The data clearly shows that when drivers feel unheard or undervalued, they leave. Fleets that prioritize listening through structured feedback channels and transparent communication are far better positioned to retain their drivers.”

Lifestyle balance has become central to job satisfaction. More than 61% of drivers said they would accept slightly lower pay in exchange for more time at home, and over half of the drivers surveyed reported they have actively searched for local opportunities in the past six months.

This growing focus on home time reinforces that flexible scheduling and realistic route expectations are no longer optional; they’re essential. Carriers that emphasize family time and deliver on home-time promises are far more likely to attract and retain experienced drivers.

The data also points to a demographic challenge that could reshape the driver pool for years to come. Nearly 48% of drivers surveyed are aged 56 or older, with retirements expected to outpace new entrants in the coming years. This tightening labor pool will further increase competition for experienced, safety-conscious drivers across all fleet segments.

“Yes, turnover is rising, but that also means opportunity,” said Dismuke. “When drivers are reevaluating what matters most, fleets that can show real stability and respect have a chance to stand out. Retention starts long before a driver ever thinks about leaving.”

Key Themes for Carriers

Across all data points, the Fall 2025 survey underscores several key trends:

• Retention pressure is rising: More drivers are actively job-seeking than at any point in the past four years.

• Lifestyle priorities dominate: Home time, respect, and predictability are now top values.

• Reputation matters: Company stability and driver reviews strongly influence job decisions.

• Listening drives loyalty: Carriers that act on driver feedback will earn trust and long-term commitment.

Access the full Fall 2025 Truck Driver Survey report here.

For more information about Conversion Interactive Agency, visit www.conversionia.com.