Trucking is one of those professions that can lay claim to being the backbone of the American economy. Without truck drivers, commerce would grind to a halt. Americans wouldn’t have access to fresh milk and produce, electronics that keep our world humming, and medical devices that save lives. Each day, thousands of shipments are delivered by the competent hands of our nation’s drivers, who take to the roads in freezing rain, snow, high winds, and rocky terrain, with an endurance that matches those of the hardiest laborers. Here are sixteen incredible facts about this industry:
- Many truckers have clocked over a million miles and counting. The average driver books about 105,000 miles a year. If you are one of them, please tell us your story below in the comments!
- There are over 3 million truck drivers in the U.S.
- Trucking makes up the largest portion of the American transportation industry – about 27 percent. Top goods that are hauled include clothes, food, furniture, and machinery.
- Truckers use up to 50 billion gallons of gas each year, which accounts for about 12-13% of the nation’s fuel consumption.
- About 84% of trucking-related accidents are the other guy’s fault (the car).
- A truck’s engine is six times bigger than a car engine, and can go up to one million miles.
- One out of nine truckers is an independent driver.
- The income for a driver has increased continuously each year, with $55,000 being the average for 2013.
- Businesses choose trucks for 82 cents out of every dollar they spend on shipping.
- A fully loaded truck weighs about 80,000 pounds.
- Almost 62% of trucking hauls are 100 miles or less.
- 78% of freight in America is driven by trucks.
- The average daily run for a long-haul driver is 500 miles.
- In 2015, the freight transportation industry is predicted to carry 18 billion tons of freight, generating $1.3 trillion in revenue.
- Total tonnage volumes will grow by 32%.
- Trucking exclusively serves over 80% of all communities in the U.S.
Do you know an interesting fact about trucking? We’d love to hear from you!
