In the complex supply chain landscape of the food industry, competition for reliable, quality logistics partners can be fierce. As food chains tighten and the professional truck driver shortage persists, food companies realized that becoming a "shipper of choice" has moved from a nice-to-have designation to a strategic necessity.

While high-tech solutions and competitive rates often dominate the conversation, one surprisingly simple gesture continues to earn outsized appreciation from drivers: access to clean and available restroom facilities.

The Rise of the "Shipper of Choice" Movement

Whether professional truck drivers are long-haul drivers with long hours behind the wheel or local drivers, they oftentimes experience difficulty in finding basic accommodations—especially access to restrooms. While regulations require professional truck drivers to take breaks and limit hours of service, many food shippers and receivers still do not allow drivers to use on-site facilities, citing security or policy reasons.

Many perceive this denial not only as a disrespect to the essential role truck drivers play in the food chain but also poses health and dignity issues. For food companies whose operations are deeply dependent on timely and consistent deliveries, this oversight can quietly damage reputations and relationships with their 3PL partners and carriers.

In recent years, the concept of being a “shipper of choice” has gained momentum across the food supply chain industry. It refers to companies that treat their logistics partners and truck drivers with respect, communicate clearly, minimize detention time, and provide amenities that make deliveries more efficient and humane.

Providing bathroom access may be one of the most simple, cost-effective ways for food manufacturers and distributors to stand out in a crowded freight market. The benefits include:

• Improved Carrier Relationships: Carriers are more likely to prioritize loads from shippers known for treating drivers with respect and dignity.
• Reduced Wait Times and Turnover: Drivers who feel welcome are often more patient and communicative, reducing loading dock friction and miscommunication.
• Positive Brand Perception: As consumer awareness grows around the treatment of essential workers, food companies that treat drivers well can build goodwill with the public.
• Compliance and Safety: Providing restroom access supports better health and hygiene, which is particularly important in the food sector where sanitation is a core value.

Some food companies have already embraced this practice and have seen the benefits. Large manufacturers and distribution centers are implementing driver lounges, clean restroom facilities, and better signage to welcome carriers. These small steps can lead to big returns in terms of preferred status with carriers, lower freight costs, and better service consistency.

Becoming a “shipper of choice” isn't just about logistics—it’s about culture. Food companies that recognize truck drivers as valued partners rather than transactional labor are positioning themselves for long-term resilience in a volatile freight market.

Newly Proposed Legislation Would Allow Drivers Access to Restroom Facilities

Bipartisan legislation was introduced April 1, 2025 by U.S. Representatives Troy Nehls (R-TX) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) to ensure that truck drivers have access to restroom facilities when they are picking up or delivering cargo. View Proposed Bill

The legislation would:

• Require retailers, warehouses, and other businesses to give truckers access to bathroom facilities when they are picking up cargo or making deliveries.
• Not require businesses to construct new restrooms. It only requires that if a business has a restroom available to their customers or employees, truckers should have the same access.
• Require the operators of ports and terminals to provide bathroom access to drayage drivers.

“Truckers are this nation’s backbone,” says Congressman Nehls (R-TX). “Our nation’s hardworking truckers keep our country moving and should have access to bathroom facilities while they are on the road—it’s common sense. I’m proud to join my colleague, Congresswoman Houlahan, in reintroducing legislation to ensure that truck drivers have access to the restroom at work.”

“Truck drivers are the backbone of our economy, but inhospitable working conditions have caused challenges with recruitment and retention,” says Congresswoman Houlahan (D-PA). “I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure every truck driver is guaranteed access to a restroom while they do their critical jobs, breaking down a systemic barrier that has kept women out of the industry. Truck drivers are essential for our economy and should not have less access to restroom facilities than other employees in their own workplaces."

Several industry associations, including the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) the Women In Trucking Association (WIT), and the American Trucking Associations (ATA), including the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), support the legislation.

“Over 70% of America’s freight is exclusively carried by trucks, yet every single day men and women truck drivers are forced to ‘hold it’ because they aren’t allowed access to the restroom when picking up or delivering freight,” says Todd Spencer, President of OOIDA.

Related Articles:

• How to Become a Shipper of Choice to Gain a Competitive Edge
• Quality of Life Themes Dominate ATRI’s Recent List of Critical Trucking Issues
• Miles of Gratitude: FSA Celebrates National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

Like this kind of content? Subscribe to our "Food For Thought" eNewsletter!

Now more than ever, professionals consume info on the go. Distributed twice monthly, our "Food For Thought" e-newsletter allows readers to stay informed about timely and relevant industry topics and FSA news whether they're in the office or on the road. Topics range from capacity, rates and supply chain disruption to multimodal transportation strategy, leveraging technology, and talent management and retention. Learn More