Trucking – The Surprising Statistics and Trends

While many are aware that the trucking industry is a vital part of the economy all over the world, they might be surprised to learn that there is much more to this industry than simply hauling materials from one place to another.

For instance, one may be surprised to learn that the trucking sector generates a staggering 83.7% of the revenue in the commercial transportation industry. By rail comes in at 5.6%, pipeline at 4.6%, by plane at 3.2 percent, by rail intermodal at 1.5%, and by boat at 1.4%.

So, as you can see, while there are many different transportation methods, trucking still remains as the heavily favored method.

Moving Along

According to the American Trucking Associations, the trucking industry is responsible for hauling over 10.5 billion tons of cargo every year. In order to move this massive amount of tonnage, over 3.4 million heavy duty trucks and 3.5 million truck drivers are necessary, just for the United States alone.

Even more surprising, even with all of that tonnage and domination in commercial transport, the latest US freight forecasters believe that the trucking industry will continue to grow in the future, and it will continue to play a central role in the economy no matter where it grows.

Big Bucks

No I am not talking about male deer. Statistics estimate that the trucking industry collects over $650 billion dollars a year, an impressive 5% of America’s GDP. What is even more interesting is that the industry is even expected to grow another 21% over the next ten years!

Unlike other industries, trucking has the kind of career stability that is only improving as time goes on. The growth in the industry has even caused a shortage in truckers, which is opening up new possible opportunities for younger generations to get involved in the industry.

Staying Updated

Because of the rapid rate in which the trucking industry is growing, it is vitally important that old and newcomers alike stay updated as to the current trends and news of not just the industry, but the economy at large.

Because a trucker’s job is so dependent upon other industries needing to transport goods, it is important for a driver to stay plugged in to news outlets and see the current state of affairs. This encouraged practice will help a trucker anticipate any dips or surges in the market so that he or she can stay steadily employed throughout the working year.

New Opportunities

The rapid rate of growth in the trucking industry has created jobs in trucking for truck drivers everywhere.

Even better, it only takes about three weeks to obtain your truck driving license, and many companies will help you and pay for that training.

The new demand for truck drivers makes it an excellent time for rookies or the employment impaired to start a new adventure and take a new direction in their career. So don’t wait around, if you know someone who could use the opportunity, be sure to point them in the right direction!

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