Fleets allocate significant funds to acquire new equipment primarily for enhanced safety features and improved fuel efficiency.
A quick review of various ‘drivers wanted’ job postings reveals that while many fleets advertise newer model trucks, they often overlook the aspect most important to drivers: the type of seat in the truck.
According to the 2025 What Drivers Want report, conducted by CCJ in collaboration with Netradyne, company drivers rated a comfortable seat as a top priority in truck and equipment features.
David Farnham, a driver based in Utah, reflected on his career since 1987, expressing a preference for well-maintained older trucks. This year, 88% of respondents indicated that a comfortable seat ranks first in the What Drivers Want survey. Following this are late-model trucks (54%), auxiliary power units (51%), and spacious sleeper cabs (46%), with satellite radio (34%) rounding out the top five features.
Texas driver Brad Morgan emphasized that comfort is crucial, especially for those spending lengthy hours in trucks. Other preferred features included manual transmission, fewer safety measures like speed limiters, and high-quality mattresses in the bunks.
Mixed Feelings About Technology
Driver perceptions regarding safety technology vary based on functionality and the direction of camera positioning. While 66% of survey participants recognized the benefits of forward-facing cameras for driver safety, 70% viewed driver-facing cameras negatively. Additionally, speed limiters were cited by 70% of respondents as having a detrimental effect on safety.
Collin Heupel, a driver from South Dakota, pointed out that effective training is irreplaceable for creating safe, reliable drivers. In the “other” feedback category, respondents praised proper training, hands-free/Bluetooth technology, and dependable GPS. Overall, advanced safety features such as collision mitigation and lane-keeping systems garnered more negative than positive opinions, with many drivers feeling that technology can hinder their driving experience.
Interestingly, only 14% believe that autonomous driving technologies will entirely replace truck drivers. The majority either doubt widespread deployment (40%) or think that while self-driving tech will change the driver’s role, there will still always be a need for a human presence in the cab (46%).
Jason Cannon has been covering trucking and transportation for over a decade and is the Chief Editor of Commercial Carrier Journal. He holds a Class A CDL, has graduated from the Porsche Sport Driving School, is an honorary Duckmaster at The Peabody in Memphis, and holds a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Reach him at [email protected].
