15 FUN FACTS ABOUT THE US TRUCKING INDUSTRY
Trucking is no doubt one of the industries that Americans take for granted, without being aware that the trucking industry is so gigantic that we couldn’t imagine our lives without it.
Approximately 3.5 million truck drivers transport nearly 70% of all freight volume in the United States. Without this vital industry, we'd have a food scarcity in 72 hours, gas station fuel would run out in 48 hours, manufacturing would shut down in hours, and ATMs would run out practically instantly. The trucking business is crucial to our economy and without it, America would definitely come to a halt.
Every day, hundreds of organizations ship thousands of items to thousands of locations, keeping the economy of this country afloat thanks to our hard work, dedication, and service.
Here are a few less known facts about the trucking business we are sure you’re going to find intriguing.
- In the past two decades, the EPA has reduced emissions in the trucking industry by almost 90%. As a result, the trucking industry is attempting to contribute to environmental protection.
- TRUCKERS REQUIRE MORE TIME TO COME TO A STOP! They actually require roughly 40% more stopping time than a car. When changing lanes fast or trying to get through traffic, keep this in mind. It is preferable for everyone to be safe.
- Women make up less than 10% of truck drivers. While still a small percentage, it is increasing steadily. Many businesses in the United States are actively working to improve this number.
- The trucking business accounts for around 12% of all registered vehicles.
- Truckers spend up to 240 nights awayfrom their families on average each year. They're out on the road, keeping America moving and making a living.
- In the USA only, there are enough trucks to stack on top of one another and reach the moon. In case you were wondering, the total number of trucks is over 16 million, with over 3.5 million operating trucks.
- Every year, the volume and demand of the trucking business grows. Despite a significant driver scarcity. If you want to learn to drive a truck, now is the time to start!
- On average, the trucking industry travels over 300 billion miles per year, or 651,000 roundtrips to the moon.
- Commercial trucks have engines that last 5 times as long as a standard car. These engines have a 1 million mile endurance rating.
- In the United States, the trucking business employs about 8 million people!
- Around 40% of truck drivers regularly take their pets with them on their trips, so they don’t feel lonely.
- All the trucks combined consume 8 million barrels of oil every day. It was hardly 1.6 million barrels per day 10 years ago!
- Want to save money on gas? Driving your truck at 65 miles per hour instead of 75 saves you 27 percent on gas.
- Logistics transports 91% of lumber and wood, 83% of all farming and agriculture products, 92% of prepared dairy, food, and canned goods, and 65% of pharmaceutical supplies.
- And finally, at the rate it’s rising, the trucking industry is expected to grow about 21% over the next 10 years.
Overall, the trucking sector is worth roughly $680 billion! This vital industry has an impact on almost every industry in America, making it the true backbone of our country.