In an era of rapid change, one profession is accelerating faster than ever: truck driving in the American trucking industry. With increasing demand and competitive salaries in the American trucking industry, now is the perfect time to hit the open road as a professional truck driver.
Trucking Industry Job Forecast
89,300 New Jobs
Trucking industry statistics reveal that by 2032, an estimated 89,300 new truck driving jobs will be available to meet the growing demand for cargo transport. Imagine every seat in a Super Bowl stadium filled with individuals starting new careers in trucking. That’s a significant driver shortage.
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. Read more about truck driver workforce statistics.
Women in Trucking Industry Trends
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! Truck drivers play an important role in the shipment of goods.
Trucking Industry Forecast
The trucking industry’s economic impact on American cannot be understated, but let’s take a look at the 2025 forecast and what may impact this.
According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), after two years of decline, truck freight volumes are expected to grow by 1.6% in 2025. This growth is projected to continue, with total truck tonnage increasing from an estimated 11.27 billion tons of freight in 2024 to nearly 14 billion tons by 2035. Over the same period, industry revenues are anticipated to rise from approximately $906 billion to $1.46 trillion, maintaining trucking’s dominant share of the freight market at around 76.8%.
Emerging Technologies Shaping the Trucking Industry
New technology is changing the trucking industry, making it safer, more efficient, and better for the environment. Here are a few examples:
- Autonomous Trucks: Trucks that can drive themselves (partly or fully) help reduce accidents and make up for the shortage of drivers.
- Electric Trucks: These trucks run on electricity instead of fuel, saving money and cutting pollution. Trucking companies are increasingly interested in adding these vehicles to their fleet.
- Smart Tools (Telematics and IoT): Devices that track trucks in real time, predict problems, and plan the best routes for shippers
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, contributing to a robust supply chain. Trucking offers diverse job types within the for-hire sector:
- Local: Short-haul trips, often returning home daily, are essential for local shipment needs.
- Regional: Hauls within a specific region, balancing home time and miles, are critical for efficient supply chain management.
- 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 start a career as a truck driver:
- 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!