The US trucking industry serves as the backbone of American commerce, moving billions of tons of freight annually across the nation. For small trucking businesses and owner-operators, understanding key US trucking industry statistics helps inform business decisions and navigate market challenges effectively.

By leveraging US trucking industry data for strategic planning and making informed decisions about equipment, personnel, and operations, small trucking businesses can position themselves for success.

We’ve compiled 6 essential US trucking industry statistics that paint a comprehensive picture of today’s trucking landscape. These numbers reveal opportunities, challenges, and trends that directly impact small trucking businesses in the US.

6 US Trucking Industry Statistics

The US trucking market is a major player in the global trucking market. But it is subject to factors unique to the US, such as American demographics, regulations, trade policies, and tariffs. Let’s dive in and discover the most important US trucking industry statistics.

1. Freight Volume and Trucking Revenues Statistics and Projections

• The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is a great source of US trucking industry statistics. It reports that trucks transported 11.18 billion tons of freight in 2023, representing a decline from the previous year’s 11.46 billion tons.
• The ATA Freight Transportation Forecast to 2035 indicates that total truck tonnage will rise from an estimated 11.27 billion tons in 2024 to 13.99 billion tons in 2035.
• Long-term projections indicate trucking industry revenues will grow from an estimated $906 billion to $1.46 trillion. This will represent 76.8% of the freight market by the end of the forecast period.

It’s a fact that freight volume has experienced a decline. However, it’s difficult to get a clear picture from recent numbers, due to manufacturers overstocking ahead of proposed tariff changes and then destocking those pre-tariff inventory buildups.

As the economic uncertainty subsides and businesses embrace the new norms, freight volume will likely recover. So, is the trucking industry growing or slowing? There are still opportunities for trucking businesses, but they must be willing to adapt to changing market demands.

The freight volume decrease is not due to fewer trucks or even a shortage of tractor-trailer truck drivers, although the latter does play its part. (We’ll get to that later). The decline in freight volume reflects broader economic conditions. However, tonnage still demonstrates the trucking industry’s massive scale and importance to the US economy.

The revenue increase projections show that while freight volumes may fluctuate, the industry’s financial position remains strong. The trucking sector has a dominant position in logistics, playing a critical role in supply chain operations and its influence on overall transportation economics.

2. Employment and Workforce

• In 2021, American Trucking Associations’ Chief Economist Bob Costello said the truck driver shortage had risen to 80,000.
  Industry experts fear that the shortage could surpass 160,000 by 2030.
• According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 240,300 openings for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers are projected each year, on average, from 2023 to 2033.
• The average truck driver’s age is 47 years. This aging demographic contributes to the driver shortage as older drivers retire without sufficient younger replacements entering the field.
• According to US trucking market statistics, only 9% of truck drivers are below age 25, and only 8% are women.

The truck driver shortage presents recruitment challenges for fleet operators, although the demand for truck drivers is not equal across the states. This long-term challenge will likely drive continued wage increases and operational changes throughout the industry. According to Zippia, truck drivers are most in demand in Atlanta, GA.

However, it creates opportunities for existing truck drivers to command higher wages and benefits. It is also clear from the statistics that the industry is struggling to attract younger workers and women. These demographic imbalances threaten workforce sustainability and diversity and emphasize the need for targeted recruitment.

3. Safety

According to NHTSA’s final 2023 traffic crash data, fatalities in crashes involving large trucks decreased by 8.3% compared to 2022, with 497 fewer fatalities, demonstrating ongoing improvements in commercial trucking safety.

There’s a need for truck safety in the US. There are two ways to achieve this and make statistics like these a thing of the past. One is with advanced truck driver training. And another is with tech.
Advanced safety technologies, including dash cameras, driver monitoring systems, collision avoidance, and lane departure warnings, are becoming standard equipment. These technologies help reduce accident rates and improve overall fleet safety performance.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) have become mandatory for most commercial trucking operations, ensuring hours-of-service compliance. This technology helps prevent driver fatigue while maintaining accurate records for regulatory purposes.

4. Trucking Industry Operational Costs

The American Transportation Research Institute reports that average operating expenditures decreased by 0.4% to $2.26 per mile in 2024, though non-fuel operating costs rose 3.6% to a record high of $1.779 per mile. This figure includes all operational expenses, providing a benchmark for fleet cost management.

High operational costs are often fuel-related, but we have found that fuel is not always the main cost driver in trucking. Rising costs for commercial truck insurance, maintenance, equipment, and driver compensation all contribute to higher operational costs.

5. Technological Advancements

The electric truck industry is projected to reach $40 billion by 2035. This growth represents a significant shift toward sustainable transportation solutions.
This shift represents both opportunities and challenges for traditional trucking operations. But it’s something many businesses are willing to consider, as electric vehicles are typically eligible for tax credits.

6. Cross-Border Trade

Cross-border trucking is still a lucrative business model. According to the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics, America’s land borders with Canada and Mexico see nearly $3.5 billion in daily cross-border freight shipments.

This international freight movement provides significant opportunities for qualified carriers. Just be aware that to operate across borders, your trucks will need apportioned license plates, issued under the International Registration Plan (IRP).

Find out more about the requirements for both intrastate and interstate semi-truck registration and licensing: Commercial Truck Registration & License Plates Costs.

Trucking Market Dynamics and Trends

How do these US trucking industry statistics tie in with other trucking market dynamics and emerging trends?

Freight Conditions Remain Challenging

Load-to-truck ratios and freight conditions remain subdued, with continued softness across industrial and retail sectors. These conditions create competitive pressures while highlighting the importance of operational efficiency. However, in time, the freight shipping industry is sure to find its equilibrium.

E-commerce Growth Drives Demand

E-commerce is estimated to reach $36 trillion by 2026. So, what does this have to do with trucking? This explosive growth has led to one of the most promising US trucking industry trends. It creates new opportunities for trucking companies serving last-mile delivery and distribution networks.

Private Fleets Capture Larger Market Share

Private fleets continue to capture a larger share of freight volume, affecting traditional for-hire carriers. This trend reflects shippers’ desire for greater control over their supply chains and transportation costs.

Fleet Technology Adoption

Fleets are increasingly adopting advanced technologies for route optimization, fleet management, and driver communication. These tools help improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer service capabilities.

Trucking Industry Outlook and Projections

Looking at these US trucking industry statistics, what does the future of trucking hold for small trucking businesses? This is our trucking industry forecast based on current economic and technical developments and industry expertise.

Freight Market Recovery Expected

Industry experts project freight market recovery in 2025, with improved demand and stabilizing rates. This recovery will likely benefit well-positioned carriers who have maintained operations through challenging periods. Keep an eye on US transportation industry statistics and key economic indicators that will signal the pace of this recovery, particularly freight demand patterns and capacity utilization rates.

Technology Investment Increases

Fleet operators are increasing investments in technology solutions to improve efficiency, safety, and profitability. These investments include telematics and route optimization software, which complement advanced and defensive driver training programs.

Autonomous Vehicle Development

Self-driving semis might be the future of trucking. While fully autonomous trucks remain in development, driver-assistance technologies are becoming more sophisticated. These systems help reduce driver fatigue, improve safety, and optimize fuel efficiency.

Strategic Implications for Small Trucking Businesses

After years of working closely with truckers and trucking companies, we’ve gained valuable industry insights. When combined with these US trucking industry statistics, it identifies the best strategies moving forward for small trucking businesses.

Market Positioning Opportunities

The driver shortage and growing freight demand create opportunities for small trucking businesses to expand operations and increase market share. Trucking companies that can attract and retain qualified CDL drivers will benefit from these market conditions.

Technology Adoption Benefits

Small fleet operators who invest in appropriate technologies can compete more effectively with larger carriers. Route optimization, fleet management systems, and safety technologies provide competitive advantages.

Financial Planning Considerations

Rising operating costs require careful financial planning and cost management. Understanding US trucking industry statistics and industry benchmarks helps small operators identify areas for improvement and optimize profitability.

US Trucking Industry FAQ

How Many Truck Drivers Are in the US?

The trucking industry employs 3.55 million drivers nationwide, representing a significant portion of the American workforce. This number includes both company drivers and owner-operators across various trucking segments, from light-duty to heavy trucks.

For more information on this topic: How Many Semi-Truck Drivers in the US?

How Much Do Truck Drivers Earn in the US?

The average base salary for a driver in the US is $4,624 per month. However, the figure can be much higher for an owner-operator trucker. External factors, such as driving experience, can also influence truck driver wages.

If you’d like to know more: How Much Do Commercial Truck Drivers Make?

How Important is Sustainability for My Trucking Business?

It’s very important! In fact, trucking-related sustainability initiatives are growing. Environmental concerns are driving increased focus on sustainability, including alternative fuels, route optimization, and equipment upgrades. These programs help reduce operating costs while meeting environmental requirements.

Conclusion

These US trucking industry statistics reveal a sector in transition.

While challenges like driver shortages and rising costs persist, opportunities abound for well-positioned businesses. Our US trucking market analysis shows that the projected growth in freight tonnage, revenue increases, and technological advancements create a favorable environment for strategic expansion.

That means it’s more important than ever to be smart about your finances. Need help with financing your growth plans while managing cash flow challenges? Mission Financial Services provides tailored solutions designed specifically for the trucking industry’s unique needs.

Contact us for information about our range of loans. We also help first-time buyers and those with bad credit.