January 23, 2025
The trucking industry is the backbone of the U.S. economy, contributing an astounding $987 billion and moving over 11 billion tons of freight annually. This powerful sector ensures goods move efficiently across the country, driving growth and supporting industries nationwide.
While the industry continues to thrive, it faces challenges such as driver shortages and rising operational costs. Understanding key trucking statistics can provide valuable insights for businesses, logistics professionals, and industry analysts looking to stay ahead of the curve.
Whether you’re a fleet owner, manager, or newcomer, exploring these trucking industry statistics will help you navigate the dynamic role of trucking with confidence.
Key Findings:
Table of Contents:
The trucking industry remains a cornerstone of the economy, adapting to evolving challenges and opportunities. From shifting workforce patterns to rising operating costs, these trends highlight the industry's resilience and projected growth. Let’s dive into the key developments shaping the road ahead.
1. Trucks hauled 11.18 billion tons of freight in 2023. (Trucking.org)
2. As of July 1, 2024, the federal tax on diesel fuel is 24.3 cents per gallon. (eia.gov)
3. Fuel costs per mile increased by 53.7% compared to the previous year, with fuel making up 28% of the total operating costs. The Industry Concern Index recorded a score of 87.7 for this concern, highlighting the significant impact of rising fuel expenses. (ATRI)
4. The trucking market is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.3% from 2024 to 2030, reaching a projected volume of 469,400 vehicle units by 2030. (Statista)
5. The truck driver job growth rate is projected to be 4% from 2018 to 2028, with an estimated 90,900 new positions expected over the next decade. (Zippia)
6. The average industry employee’s weekly hours have fluctuated slightly over the course of 2024. (BLS)
Key takeaway: The trucking industry is navigating a dynamic landscape, balancing workforce shifts, rising fuel costs, and increasing demand while poised for steady growth through 2030.
The trucking industry faces safety and security challenges, from unsafe driving behaviors around trucks to rising cargo theft incidents and workplace injuries. These trends highlight the importance of prioritizing driver safety, security measures, and health standards to ensure the industry's resilience.
7. 62% of drivers say they've witnessed other drivers unsafely tailgating trucks. (FinditParts)
8. 64% of drivers report seeing another driver change lanes dangerously in front of a semi. (FinditParts)
9. 62% of Americans believe autonomous trucks will make highway driving more dangerous. (FindItParts)
10. Cargo theft incidents continued to rise in 2023, with no signs of slowing down. Data for the third quarter showed a 59% increase in truck cargo theft compared to the same period in the previous year, following similar increases in the first and second quarters. (CargoNet)
11. In 2023, truck drivers experienced three injury and illness cases per 100 full-time workers. (BLS)
12. Out of all the injury and illness cases reported, 2.3 cases involved more severe injuries, such as requiring days off work or job restrictions. Specifically, 1.6 cases led to truck drivers taking days off work, and 0.7 cases resulted in job transfers or restrictions. (BLS)
Key takeaway: Safety and security remain critical challenges for the trucking industry, with rising cargo theft and unsafe driving incidents underscoring the need for enhanced protective measures and driver well-being initiatives.
Light Truck Salary:
Heavy Trucks Salary:
| Rank | City | Light Trucks Salary | Heavy Trucks Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chicago, IL | $52,280 | $62,320 |
| #2 | Louisville, KY | $50,730 | $59,000 |
| #3 | Dallas, TX | $47,990 | $58,960 |
| #4 | Salt Lake City, UT | $47,950 | $58,310 |
| #5 | Atlanta, GA | $47,560 | $57,770 |
| #6 | Nashville, TN | $46,740 | $56,900 |
| #7 | Houston, TX | $46,270 | $55,260 |
| #8 | Charlotte, NC | $43,620 | $55,260 |
| #9 | Phoenix, AZ | $49,300 | $53,650 |
The trucking industry drives the economy with competitive wages and growing demand. Explore key workforce trends, earnings, and challenges shaping its future below.
13. 67% of Americans think human co-pilots should be paid the same or higher salaries than truck drivers today. (FindItParts)
14. As of 2023, the truck transportation sector employed approximately 1.5 million individuals. (BLS)
15. The mean annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $55,990 in 2023. (BLS)
16. The average hourly earnings for all employees in the truck transportation industry show a slight upward trend:
17. Bus and truck mechanics earned a median hourly wage of $25.40 and an annual median wage of $52,820. (BLS)
18. First-line supervisors had the highest earnings, with a median hourly rate of $32.85 and an annual median wage of $68,330. (BLS)
19. Laborers and freight movers earned a median of $21.05 per hour and $43,780 annually. (BLS)
20. Heavy truck drivers earned a median hourly wage of $27.81 and $57,830 per year, while light and delivery truck drivers earned $21.30 per hour and $44,300 annually. (BLS)
21. Truck driver benefits play a key role in retention, with over 80% of motor carriers offering health insurance (97%), paid vacation (91%), 401(k) plans (85%), and dental insurance (81%) to their drivers. (ATRI)
22. Driver shortage is one of the leading issues in the United States trucking industry, with an estimated 115,000 drivers needed in 2025. This figure is projected to reach 162,000 by 2030. (Statista)
Key takeaway: The trucking industry impacts many communities by creating in-demand job opportunities with competitive salaries and benefits.
As the trucking industry continues to evolve, several key trends and changes are shaping the sector. From rising truck driver salaries to the shift toward zero-emission vehicles, the statistics below highlight the industry's current state and future trajectory.
23. In 2023, trucks carried 66.5% of the value of surface trade between the U.S. and Canada and 84.5% of the value of surface trade between the U.S. and Mexico. (Trucking.org)
24. Employment in truck transportation is projected to grow by 6% from 2020 to 2030, aligning with the average growth rate for all occupations. (BLS)
25. Trucks moved roughly 72.6% of the nation's freight by weight in 2022. (Trucking.org)
26. In the past five years, truck driver salaries have risen by 14%. (Zippia)
27. Currently, there are more than 1.49 million truck drivers employed in the United States, with 827,858 active job openings in the field. (Zippia)
28. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) Advanced Clean Trucks rule mandates that medium- and heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers increase the sale of zero-emission trucks (ZET) as a growing percentage of their total sales in California from 2024 to 2035. (ATRI)
Key takeaway: The trucking industry is experiencing significant growth in employment and revenue while adapting to sustainability initiatives like the shift toward zero-emission trucks.
The trucking industry continues to be a pillar of the U.S. economy, moving billions of tons of freight each year and contributing significantly to economic growth. Key trucking industry trends, such as rising salaries, job growth, and the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, indicate a positive outlook for the industry.
However, challenges like cargo theft, rising operational costs, and driver shortages continue to demand attention. For fleet managers and operators navigating these complexities, FinditParts can play a crucial role, offering access to a vast inventory of truck parts to keep operations running smoothly.
The U.S. trucking industry is massive, employing over 1.49 million truck drivers and transporting 66.5% of surface trade with Canada and 84.5% with Mexico in 2023. In the same year, trucks hauled an estimated 11.18 billion tons of freight, highlighting the sector's critical role in the nation's economy.
The trucking industry is projected to grow steadily, with a 4% increase in driver jobs between 2018 and 2028 and an expected addition of 90,900 new positions. Salaries for truck drivers have risen by 14% over the last five years, reflecting a growing demand for skilled drivers. Despite challenges, such as fluctuating fuel costs and safety concerns, the industry's resilience points to continued growth and adaptation.
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