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.
