The trucking industry is a crucial link and driving force in the day-to-day operation of almost every industry in American. Trucking is a $680 billion industry and employees over 7 million employees. If these numbers are not enough for you to grasp the vital role of the trucking industry in our economy, picture life without them. No trucks on the road would equate to a stoppage of 70% of movement of freight. Economists estimate that without trucks, we would experience a food shortage within 72 hours, gas supplies would dry up within 48 hours, manufacturers would shut down within hours, and ATM usage would halt almost immediately.

These attention-grabbing statistics coupled with the interesting facts below will grow your appreciation for the trucking industry. Explore and learn how trucks are our life support, and then make sure to thank a trucker today.

• Top transferred goods in American are hauled by trucks including clothing, food, furniture, electrical goods, and machinery goods.
• Logistics carry 91% of lumper and wood; 83% of all the farming and agriculture produce; 92% of the prepared dairy, foods, and canned items; 65% of the pharmaceutical essentials.
• The trucking industry hauls in billions of revenue each year, accounting for roughly 5% of America’s Gross Domestic Product.
• There are approximately 16 million heavy haul trucks operating in the United States. If you would line up all those trucks end to end, they would reach all the way to the moon.
• One out of every 14 jobs in the United States are created or is directly affected by the trucking industry.
• Truck drivers spend approximately 66% of nights (240 nights) away from home.
• The average small business trucker travels 115,000 to 125,000 miles per year and over 3 million miles in their career lifetime.