Research pick: The digital trucker - "For better or for worse? How the use of digital technologies affects truck drivers’ wellbeing’"

As digital technologies continue to transform the logistics industry, research in the International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management has looked at their impact on the wellbeing of professional drivers, namely truckers. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews and drew in survey data in Germany to look at his digital tools are reshaping the technical aspects of the job but also the lived experience of those behind the wheel.

Drivers report that digitalisation, ranging from GPS tracking to automated route planning, can reduce physical demands, streamline communications, and even contribute to improved safety. Systems designed to optimise routes and schedules, for example, reduce stress by minimising delays and helping drivers make more informed decisions in real time. In some cases, these innovations enhance the driver’s sense of control, contributing to greater overall job satisfaction.

However, the research also shows that there are some drawbacks. Many drivers express unease about the level of surveillance enabled by digital tools. There is constant monitoring, whether through location tracking, in-cab cameras, or real-time performance metrics, and they often feel this to be intrusive and to erode their sense of independence. Given that independence is often central to the identity of professional drivers, this is not a positive outcome of the adoption of digital technologies. Indeed, some interviewees suggested that it was akin to being “micromanaged by a machine” and this was detrimental to their job satisfaction and psychological wellbeing.

The study identifies driver perceptions as a crucial determinant of how digitalisation is experienced. Those who see digital tools as supportive tend to report greater benefits, such as feeling safer or more efficient. In contrast, drivers who are more sceptical of these technologies are likely to experience them as a source of pressure or even alienation. This divide underscores the importance of the human factor in digital transitions: technological change is not experienced uniformly, and its impact depends heavily on individual attitudes and workplace culture.

For logistics companies, the implications are particularly will be difficult to navigate. Their drivers play a critical role in keeping supply chains functioning, yet their voices are often underrepresented in discussions about innovation. The research argues for a more inclusive approach to digital transformation, one that takes into account not just productivity and profit, but also encompasses driver wellbeing.

Straub, S.M. and Ruiner, C. (2025) ‘For better or for worse? How the use of digital technologies affects truck drivers’ wellbeing’, Int. J. Logistics Systems and Management, Vol. 51, No. 3, pp.420–449.