Much of the economy depends on trucking but the average person doesn’t realize how the US trucking industry affects day-to-day life. Americans are used to instant gratification, but if no trucks moved, grocery stores would run out of food – especially produce – in about three to four days.
From engine, truck and aftermarket manufacturers to businesses needing their goods shipped, truck drivers and even consumers, the US trucking industry affects everyone – whether they realize it or not. Here’s a look at the US trucking industry now and the anticipated growth projections for the future.
Truckers Drive Over 100,000 Miles Per Year
According to the Federal Highway Administration, the average motorist drives just under 13,500 miles per year. In comparison, even with FMCSA driving limits, Alltrucking.com reports that the average long-haul trucker drives between 2,000-3,000 miles per week, or about 100,000 miles per year. That’s proof in numbers that truckers are not average. Over the course of their career in the US trucking industry, most long-term drivers actually net more than a million miles!
It stands to reason that being on the road for that many miles increases your chances of breakdowns or other issues. This is why maintenance is so important. Take good care of your truck and your truck will take good care of you.
Semi-Truck Driving Is a Core Part of America’s Success
Air travel has contributed to some thinking of driving trucks as a waning industry. However, an estimated 5 percent of America’s GDP comes from trucking alone. Amazingly, with over $700 billion in economic activity in 2017, the US trucking industry had revenues higher than the total GDP of Bangladesh and nearly twice that of Ireland!
There are over 3.5 million truck drivers in the US. Additionally, the trucking industry as a whole employs even more people – not just drivers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 7.4 million Americans have jobs tied to the trucking industry. That’s nearly one in every 15 workers working in the US trucking industry in some capacity.
The King of US Delivery
The bulk of freight shipping in America is done thanks to the US trucking industry. The largest national trade association for the US trucking industry, American Trucking Associations (ATA), reported that US trucks moved 10.8 billion tons of freight in 2017. That’s around 70 percent of the total tonnage transported throughout the US yearly. This equates to approximately 30 pounds of goods for every person in the country!
Cleaner & More Efficient
Big rigs are often cited for inefficiency and have a reputation for being gas hogs. However, massive improvements have been made in the US trucking industry over the last 30 years. Aerodynamic devices and alternative fuel sources are just some of the ways the industry is improving. These trends and more are contributing to the cleaner, more efficient trucking industry.
According to the MMTA, new commercial trucks reduce fuel consumption and emissions by about 20% from trucks manufactured in 2010. Diesel truck engines produced today have reduced the sulfur emissions by 97 percent since 1999. In fact, it has been said that the emissions of 60 modern-day rigs equals just one truck from the 1980s.
Even with these improvements, the volume of trucks on the road means they account for around 14 percent of the country’s yearly fuel use. But light-duty vehicles (aka passenger cars) still account for nearly 60 percent of the US transportation greenhouse gas emissions, according to a 2017 EPA report.
A Future of Growth
Expectations are that the US trucking industry will grow by up to a quarter in the next 6-10 years. In fact, the ATA projects a 3.4% trucking freight volume growth for the period 2018-2023.
Malls and brick-and-mortar stores continue to decline while online shopping trends continue to grow. At the same time, transportation is getting more efficient which means even more warehouses with more trucks moving freight between them.
It’s a great time to get into the US trucking industry. The number of employees in the industry continues to rise. While the majority of drivers are men, according to the ATA, 6.2% of drivers are women and minorities make up 40.6% of all driver positions.
This is the perfect time to learn more about CDLs and the trucking industry, as well as how to maintain your vehicle from Semi Service. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the US trucking industry!
Contact Semi Service Today
We service, repair, install, and upfit all types of trucks, vans, and trailers. Don’t know where to start? We can answer your questions and help you find what you need. Contact us online or give us a call at (801) 895-4419 to get started today!
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