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Captains of Their Own Destiny? Surveillance in Trucking

A Long Road The trucking and logistics industries play an absolutely critical role in the functioning of society, delivering essential goods and maintaining the flow of commerce. If you’re in the industry then you’re well aware of just how crucial these roles are. It may be hard to believe but there was a time when truck drivers were at the forefront of popular culture in the 70s, the trucking industry has undergone significant changes since then and today, with safety being the top priority and technology and regulations having a major impact on the profession. New Challenges In her book, “Data Driven: Truckers, Technology, and the New Workplace Surveillance,” Karen Levy delves into the complex relationship between truckers and the regulations they face, giving readers an in-depth look into the life of long-haul truckers. With the post-Covid world bringing an onslaught of new challenges, including a widespread shortage of truck drivers, it’s more important than ever to truly step back and take the necessary time to understand the major sacrifices made by these essential workers in the name of safety & commerce. Despite the demanding nature of their work, truckers have always valued their independence and autonomy, which is rooted in the occupational identity The Backbone of America Long-haul truckers, who form the backbone of the American economy, transport goods under an immense amount of pressure and unbelievably challenging conditions. Despite the demanding nature of their work, truckers have always valued their independence and autonomy, which is rooted in the occupational identity. Some would argue it almost the tradition of the industry. However, the open road has changed and today these workers are face increasing scrutiny from digital surveillance technologies in the name of safety and productivity. Extra Eyes In “Data Driven,” Karen Levy examines how digital monitoring is rocking the landscape of trucking, and raises important questions about the role of data collection in broader systems of control. From industry trade shows to truck-stop bars, the author takes readers inside the world of trucking and reveals how these new technologies are reconfiguring relationships within the industry and providing new and never before available avenues for meticulous management. ELDs & Beyond Federal regulations now require long-haul truckers to obtain and install digital monitoring devices that capture data about their locations and behaviors. These devices, known as electronic logging devices (ELDs), are intended to address the issue of trucker fatigue by limiting finitely the number of hours they can work each day. While this can be a good thing in regard to ensuring driver’s are only on the road for a reasonable amount of hours, it has indirect consequences. The most major being the implication of a lack of trust in the trucker themself. This seemingly minor restriction can come across as disrespectful or distrusting especially when the driver has been in the industry for decades. to be able to manage themselves. Beyond ELDs, They also support additional surveillance by trucking firms and other companies, leading to a complete change in identity within in the profession and an almost complete loss of autonomy for truckers. Resistance Truckers, in response, have developed ways to resist these technologies and maintain their independence. In her research, Karen Levy found that resistance has been a central theme, with truckers engaging in a wide range of practices to push back against the monitoring systems, particularly ELDs. Mandatory ELDs in the United States record data about truckers’ locations and work hours and often integrate with fleet management systems to capture information on their behaviors. Learn More! This book contributes to the ongoing discussion about the impact of technology on work, institutions, and personal lives and provides important insights into how to protect public interests and preserve human dignity in the digital age. Whether you’ve experienced the impact first hand or are simply interested in understanding the challenges and triumphs of life as a trucker, experience the impact of digital surveillance on truckers and understand the challenges and triumphs of their lives by checking out Karen Levy’s book “Data Driven: Truckers, Technology, and the New Workplace Surveillance” and her additional articles for Princeton. As Always, thanks for taking the time to read this article and if you’re looking for commercial driving jobs, you’ve found the perfect place. Check out our current openings available across the country, you can find the perfect job that fits your needs. So, buckle up, grab a cup of coffee, and join us on a journey into the secret world of truckers. Stay Safe Out There! – The Optimum Logistic Team