Month: April 2020

The trucking industry plays an essential role in the American economy. The current COVID-19 pandemic is making this especially clear, but the truth is that drivers have always been an important part of keeping our nation running smoothly. 

Here are a few facts about how truck driving impacts our economy:

Statistics from the ATA

The following statistics about the economic impact of truck driving in the United States come from 2018 data collected by the American Trucking Associations (ATA):

• The trucking industry generated almost $800 billion in gross revenue.
• Semi-trucks hauled 11.4 billion tons of goods and materials, which accounted for 71.4% of the nation’s freight. This includes 67.4% of trade between America and Canada and 83.5% of trade with Mexico. 
• 7.8 million individuals have jobs within the trucking industry and 3.5 million of these are truck drivers. 
• There are 36 million trucks registered for business purposes in the country. 

How Trucking Impacts Other Industries

One of the major reasons why trucking is so important is that the delivery of goods and materials via semi-truck impacts so many other industries. If trucks stopped their operation, then it would have a massive ripple effect. 

Food Industry

Semi-trucks make deliveries to restaurants and grocery stores across the country. Transportation connects the different parts of the supply chain from farms to factories to store shelves or restaurant kitchens. Certain staples such as canned meat, bottled water, and powdered milk would likely start to run out within 2-3 days without tractor-trailers. 

Retail

Trucks bring more than just food to stores. Nearly any type of item you can think of is transported via semi-truck. This includes cleaning supplies, toilet paper, and more. Without the trucking industry, shortages would quickly impact American consumers.

Manufacturing

Factories rely on trucks to deliver the materials necessary for their operations. As a result, interruption of deliveries would impact anyone who works at a factory as well as those who use the items they produce. This could affect anything from technology to medical supplies. 

Transportation

Tanker trucks bring gas to fuel stations and supply would be severely limited within less a day and completely gone within 2-3 days without the trucking industry. This would shut down transportation in the country very quickly. 

Healthcare

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities rely on truck drivers to bring supplies that include gloves, masks, oxygen tanks, and other essential equipment. Without the trucking industry, the medical field would not have access to the items they need. 

How This Impacts You

If you are looking for a career where you can make a positive impact for our country, while enjoying excellent job security, truck driving is a great option. Earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) allows you to work as a local, regional, or long-distance driver. There is a high demand for qualified individuals in the trucking industry and this translates into competitive pay and benefits. Our truck driving school can get you on the road and earning in as little as four weeks. 

Contact us today to learn more about how you can become part of the trucking industry.

Earning a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is a great career move for many reasons. One of these is the stability of driving jobs, even during times when there is a great deal of uncertainty. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, a record number of Americans are facing unemployment. Although many will be able to recover once the virus is under control, it is still a sobering reality to consider. Certain industries are at a greater risk than others. Due to the necessity of trucking, drivers remain on the roads. If you are considering a career change, now might be a great time to start looking into attending a CDL school. 

Here are some facts about truck driving job security: 

Driver Shortage

Qualified truck drivers have always been in high demand, far before COVID-19, and this is unlikely to change anytime soon. There is a driver shortage that continues to grow each year. Bloomberg reports that the shortage grew from 10,000 to 60,800 between 2017 and 2018, and is expected to rise to 160,000 within the decade. This is because there is a relatively large number of drivers who are close to retirement. As they leave the workforce, motor carriers are looking for new CDL holders to take their place. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates a 5% growth in trucking employment from 2018 to 2028. 

Trucking Industry Growth

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) reports that trucks haul 70% of freight in our country and the industry brought in over $700 billion in revenue in 2017. In 2018, revenue rose to almost $800 billion. Because of the wide range of goods and materials that tractor-trailers haul, there is the potential for even further growth. 

A Variety of Stable Career Choices

If you want to become a CDL driver, there are many opportunities that offer excellent job security, high pay, and great benefits. A lot of companies focus on over-the-road (OTR) trucking. However, this is by no means your only option after graduating from truck driving school. Local routes often allow you to be home daily or nightly and these types of drivers are also in high demand. 

Truck Driving is Essential

The bottom line is that trucking is essential whether our country is running as usual or in the midst of an unprecedented situation like the COVID-19 outbreak. Trucks deliver food to grocery stores, supplies to hospitals, materials to factories, and so much more. Nearly every industry in the country relies to some degree on trucking. Individual citizens need drivers to ensure that stores are stocked and deliveries arrive on time. The importance of this work is one reason that driving jobs are likely to remain stable and secure. 

How to Become a Truck Driver

If you are interested in a career in the trucking industry, you will need to earn your CDL. At Phoenix Truck Driving School, we use a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience to give you the valuable skills you need to succeed on the road. 

If you are interested in preparing for a truck driving job, contact us today to learn more about our programs.