Truck drivers do make good money, eventually. But many people don't choose trucking because it's a tough job. There is a constant shortage of truck drivers at every level, because in order to make 50K or more they sacrifice quality of life (as you point out). If the industry wanted to change this, they could, but given the efficiency of longer shifts the trucking industry tolerates abusing its workforce with long hours, probable drug use (uppers), and dubious compensation practices.