Part 2/9:
Billy Randel, a seasoned long-haul trucker, exemplifies the harsh reality faced by many in the industry today. Despite his years of experience, the financial rewards of his labor have dwindled to the point where he can barely make ends meet. Currently, many truckers earn less than the minimum wage, a drastic shift from the previous average salary of $110,000 a year that allowed families to thrive.
Billy describes his truck as his home. He often sleeps in the driver's seat or checks into a hotel, navigating a life defined by 12 to 14-hour working days without the comfort of stable income or housing. For many owner-operators like Billy, these choices are not mere inconveniences but a necessity brought on by economic pressures that have spiraled out of control.