Dating isn’t easy when you live your life behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler.
Most people don’t think about truckers having dating lives. They imagine us eating alone at truck stop diners or sleeping in our cabs night after night—and to be honest, sometimes that’s exactly how it goes. But just because I spend most of my time on the road doesn’t mean I’ve given up on finding love. It just means I’ve had to figure it out a little differently.
Dating apps? I’ve tried them all. The problem is, it’s hard to explain to someone why you’re 300 miles away after a great first conversation. “Sorry, I’m in Oklahoma for the week. Maybe coffee next Thursday?” That kind of schedule doesn’t always inspire confidence.
Then there’s the question of how honest to be. Do you tell someone right away that you’re gone five, sometimes six days a week? That your hours are unpredictable? That you might not be home for Valentine’s Day, or a birthday, or a Sunday dinner? It weeds people out pretty fast.
But I’ve also learned that the right kind of person gets it. They appreciate the hustle. They respect the independence. Some even find the lifestyle kind of romantic—the old-school idea of someone working hard, crossing the country, chasing the horizon.
I’ve had a few relationships that tried to work around my schedule. Some didn’t last—distance is hard, no matter how much you care. Others ended because life on the road doesn’t always leave room for consistent communication, let alone date nights. But I’ve also had moments—sitting in my cab after a long haul, texting someone who genuinely wanted to hear how my day went—that reminded me connection is still possible.
The truth is, I haven’t figured it all out yet. Dating as a trucker takes patience, understanding, and a lot of creative planning. But I haven’t given up. Because even when I’m crossing state lines or chasing a tight deadline, a part of me is still hoping to find someone who doesn’t mind the miles.
Someone who’s okay with phone calls from truck stops and stories from the road.
Someone who understands that even when I’m far away—I’m still thinking about coming home.
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