In an era of rapid change, one profession is accelerating faster than ever: truck driving. With increasing demand and competitive salaries, now is the perfect time to hit the open road as a professional truck driver.
Job Openings
89,300 New Jobs
Trucking industry statistics reveal that by 2032, an estimated 89,300 new truck driving jobs will be available. Imagine every seat in a Super Bowl stadium filled with individuals starting new careers in trucking.
Distance Traveled
100,000 Miles Per Year
Class 8 trucks in the U.S. average 62,000 miles annually. That’s like driving around the Earth 2.5 times each year! Picture a global adventure from the comfort of your truck’s driver seat. How’s that for a fun trucking industry f0act?
Number of Truck Drivers
3.54 Million Drivers
As of 2022, a trucking industry overview showed that there are 3.54 million professional truck drivers in the U.S. One in 95 Americans is on the road delivering goods and keeping the economy moving.
Women in Trucking
12.1% of Drivers
Women now make up 12.1% of the trucking industry’s drivers, a number that continues to grow. Truck driving industry trends like this reflect increasing diversity and opportunities for all.
Economic Importance
$389.3 Billion Contribution
In 2021, trucking market analysis showed that the industry was the largest contributor to the U.S. GDP among all freight modes, contributing $389.3 billion. That’s the equivalent to buying about 97 billion cups of coffee!
Trucking School vs. College Degree
Cost and Earnings Comparison
- CDL School: Costs range between $4,000-$8,000 in the U.S., with potential earnings of $76k-$95k per year.
- Traditional 4-Year Degree: Costs $160k on average in the U.S., with potential earnings of $50k-$60k per year.
Truck driving statistics show that investing in a CDL can offer a higher return on investment compared to a traditional college degree.
Local, Regional, and OTR Trucking
In 2023, thirty states shipped 50% or more of their goods within their own borders. Trucking offers diverse job types:
- Local: Short-haul trips, often returning home daily.
- Regional: Hauls within a specific region, balancing home time and miles.
- Over the Road (OTR): Long-haul trips across the country, offering the most adventure and earning potential.
How to Get Started
Ready to start your trucking career? Here’s how to chart a course forward:
- Research and Choose a CDL Program: Find a reputable CDL training school.
- Explore Financial Aid/Grants: Look into financial aid options and grants to help cover costs.
- Enroll and Complete Training: Enroll in a CDL program and complete your training.
- Obtain Your CDL: Pass the required exams to obtain your Commercial Driver’s License.
- Start Your Career: Begin your exciting new career in trucking!