How Truck Drivers Can Take Vacations

Being on the road for long stretches is part of what makes truck driving essential — but it can also make planning time off feel complicated. For many truck drivers, figuring out how to plan meaningful time off can depend on schedules, routes, and company policies, and it may look different from what workers in other fields experience.

In the U.S., many drivers are eligible for vacation or paid time off as part of their benefits package, and some carriers offer around two weeks of vacation time each year — though whether it’s paid varies by employer and years of service.

Time away from the road can be an important part of overall health, family life, and work-life balance. How drivers plan and use that time may affect how refreshed and ready they feel when they get back on the road.

Understanding Time Off in Trucking

Time off for truck drivers often includes several components:

• Vacation or Paid Time Off (PTO): Many carriers provide vacation days after a certain length of service, though the amount and whether it’s paid is specific to each company.

• Holidays: Because freight moves 24/7, paid holidays aren’t guaranteed by law, but some companies may provide holiday pay or time off around major holidays.

• Hours-of-Service Rest: Federal rules require rest breaks to reduce fatigue — including a minimum 10-hour off-duty period after a work shift and longer rest periods after reaching weekly driving limits — which helps create routine downtime.

Understanding how your carrier structures these benefits and limits can help you make a plan that works for you.

Why Time Off Matters (and What It Can Do)

Taking extended breaks from work may contribute to better physical and mental well-being. In many U.S. industries, workers commonly receive between 10 and 14 days of paid vacation after one year on the job — and employees who take regular vacations often report benefits like improved productivity and lower stress.
 

For truck drivers — who may be away from home for days or weeks at a time depending on their route — intentional time off can also mean:

• Reconnecting with family and friends

• Resting and reducing fatigue

• Attending personal appointments or events

• Recharging mentally before returning to the road

Planning Time Off as a Truck Driver

Every driver’s situation is unique, but a few practical steps might make planning more manageable:
 

1. Know Your Company’s Policy
Ask how PTO, vacation days, and holiday time work where you’re employed — and whether vacation days are paid.

2. Communicate Early
Let dispatch know as far ahead as you can when you’re hoping to take time off. Planning in advance may increase the chances of fitting it into a busy schedule.

3. Coordinate with Routes and Mileage
Some drivers find that planning time off around quieter seasons, slower freight periods, or before/after long hauls may help with both time at home and income goals.

4. Budget for Time Away
If your vacation time isn’t paid, budgeting ahead of time can make breaks less stressful financially.

Short Breaks vs. Longer Time Away

Not every break needs to be a week-long vacation. Drivers may benefit from short “mini getaways,” a long weekend at home, or even planned downtime near a truck stop between loads. What matters most is that the time off fits your needs and helps you feel more balanced and prepared for what’s next.

Working Toward Balance and Well-Being

While time off may look different for every driver, intentional breaks can play a role in long-term well-being and safety — both on and off the road. Taking time to rest, reconnect with home life, and recharge may help drivers feel more confident and supported throughout their careers.