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Trucking drivers face wage declines from digital platforms

Growing reliance on technology for job matching has decreased trucking earnings significantly.

July 21, 2025 at 11:20 PM

Trucking's uneasy relationship with new tech

The rise of digital platforms in trucking enhances efficiency but lowers earnings for drivers.

Trucking faces challenges from digital shift

New technology in trucking has revolutionized the industry by digitizing the matchmaking process between trucks and cargo. Truck drivers like Jared share how they now rely on multiple devices to find jobs quickly, contrasting sharply with their early careers spent waiting by payphones. However, this shift towards a digital economy has led to declining wages, particularly noticeable since the pandemic. Jared notes that while he could earn $3 per mile during Covid, current rates can drop to as low as $1.10 per mile, exacerbated by increasing fuel prices.

Key Takeaways

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Drivers now use smartphones and laptops for job matching

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Digital platforms have increased work efficiency

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Average wage per mile has significantly dropped since Covid

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Higher fuel costs add to operational pressures for truckers

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Uber-style models transform traditional trucking

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Long-term effects of digitization raise concerns about livelihoods

"Today, you just turn on your devices and scan through possible work."

This illustrates the ease of job searching with technology.

"During Covid, the average was $3 per mile, today on some loads that is $1.10 per mile."

This highlights the significant wage drop drivers are facing.

The evolution of trucking through technology presents a double-edged sword. On one hand, drivers enjoy increased opportunities and efficiency through digital platforms. On the other hand, these very tools contribute to wage compression, underscoring a significant unrest in the labor market. As platforms increasingly dictate rates, many drivers may find themselves caught in a cycle of rising operational costs and falling earnings.