Atlas Survey Shows Truckers' "Favorite Things"

Drivers, at least those for a major moving company, are staying in touch via smartphones and Skype, like to eat at Subway and snack on fresh fruit, and would rather listen to classic rock than country, according to an annual survey.

Now in its eighth year, Atlas Van Lines' King of the Road Survey provides insights from its drivers on their preferred brands, use of technology and how they stay healthy on the road.

"Given that the majority of our professional truck drivers spend more than 30 weeks out of the year on the road, this survey is a great way to let these seasoned road warriors share their knowledge and preferences with the rest of us," says Glen Dunkerson, chairman and CEO of Atlas World Group.

Here are some of the survey results:

Health on the road:

- 57% of respondents revealed that eating right is the biggest challenge of life on the road.
- 71% reported drinking water throughout the day, and fresh fruit was named the drivers' favorite snack.
- For the sixth consecutive year, Subway remains the favorite fast food chain, although 9% of Atlas' drivers reported avoiding fast food altogether.
- Nearly one-third say that exercising is the most difficult part to life on the road, but 27% of drivers strive to stay in shape by walking or running at truckstops. 79% report moving furniture for the moving company serves as great exercise.

Drivers and technology:

- In the past three years on the survey, smartphone usage amongst drivers has increased from 14% to 60%.
- Drivers say using technology like Skype and FaceTime makes it easier to stay in touch with family while on the road.
- Three-fourths of drivers go online daily; more than three-fourths of drivers check email daily, and more than half of drivers check social networking sites daily.
- Computer usage while on the road has nearly doubled during the past three years, with 65% of drivers indicating they use a computer daily.
- Verizon Wireless is the preferred wireless network amongst drivers, and the iPhone is the drivers' favorite smartphone.

Overnight lodging:

- The two most popular hotel chains among the Atlas drivers are Super 8 and Days Inn.
- 87% of respondents say the most important factor when choosing a hotel is truck parking and access.

Other survey highlights:

- Drivers said Florida had the best rest stops, followed by Ohio and Texas.
- Among the many things drivers have moved during their careers, a few of the most unusual objects include a 4,000-year-old mummy, Elvis Presley's Mercedes Benz, and an antique British phone booth.
- Respondents said the best music to listen to on the road is Classic '60s, '70s and '80s, talk/news/sports radio and rock 'n' roll.


Road Trip Tips by Atlas Van Lines

To see the full survey results, click here.