The current truck driver shortage in the United States has resulted in a deficit of 80,000 drivers. If this trend continues, we could expect a deficit of 160,000 drivers by 2030, according to the American Trucking Associations. Long haul truck driving has always been a difficult occupation, as it requires many hours on the road away from home and family, but depressed wages and more challenging working conditions have created an industry subset of the Great Resignation.

As transportation companies struggle to recruit and retain good drivers in an increasingly competitive hiring market, it’s almost a no-brainer to evaluate driver pay and benefits. One of the benefits some motor carriers are considering, if they don’t already provide it, is to allow their drivers to have ride-alongs. Allowing drivers to bring spouses, children, friends, or even pets along with them on their route could indeed be an attractive benefit for drivers who spend long, lonely hours on the road – but what are the risks?