How do you deal with maintenance downtime?

Hey y’all, I’m a business student working on a project about the challenges truck drivers face when it comes to maintenance-related downtime and breakdowns.

I’m looking to hear directly from drivers—company or owner-operators—about your real-world experiences.

General Experience

1. Can you describe a time when your truck broke down or needed unexpected maintenance?
   
   
2. How often do you deal with maintenance issues or downtime on the road?
   

Impact on Work

1. How does downtime affect your schedule or delivery deadlines?
   
   
2. Does downtime impact your pay? If so, how badly?
   
   
3. How does it affect your ability to plan rest, meals, or time with family?
   

Emotional/Physical Toll

1. How do breakdowns make you feel, especially if you're far from home or in bad weather?
   
   
2. Have you ever felt unsupported by your company during a breakdown?
   

Company Support

1. What does your company currently do when your truck breaks down?
   
   
2. Do they offer any compensation or alternative options (like a replacement truck)?
   
   
3. How quickly does your company respond to maintenance issues?
   

Ideas/Solutions

1. What would make your downtime experience better?
   
   
2. If you could suggest one solution to your company, what would it be?
   
   
3. Have you ever experienced (or heard of) a company that handles downtime really well? What did they do differently?