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8 U.S. Trucking Industry Facts

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Truckers hugely impact the nation. In fact, recent data reveals more than 70% of all freight in the U.S. is moved by truck drivers. Not to mention, the trucking industry contributes hundreds of billions of dollars to the countryโ€™s economy. The industry is also the central lifeline between producers and consumers. Check out these 8 incredible facts about the U.S. trucking industry!

Fact #1: In 2017, the United States trucking industry generated profits higher than the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of more than 150 nations. In fact, it  made over $700 billion, according to the CIA Factbook. If the industry were a nation, it would have ranked 33rd in GDP that year.

Fact #2: Nearly 6% of all full-time jobs in the country are related to trucking. In addition, there were about 129 million full-time jobs at the start of 2018, and approximately 7.4 million people were employed, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Fact #3: Also,Walmart employs more than 8,600 truck drivers. They stopped using third party contractors and began employing their own. As a result, theyโ€™ve hired more than 1,400 new drivers in 2018 and hundreds more since the start of 2019.

Fact #4: In 2017, U.S. trucks moved 10.8 billion tons of freight, and more than 70% of all goods transported around the country. When it comes to moving cargo around the nation, truckers lead the pack, far surpassing trains, boats, and air travel.  

Fact #5: Minorities hold 40.6% of the jobs in the U.S. trucking industry.However, overall, minorities only hold only 22% of jobs in this country.

Fact #6: Not one of the four administrators from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety has ever held a commercial driverโ€™s license. While they manage the rules and regulations, they do not possess any background experience as a driver.

Fact #7: Grocery stores depend on long-haul truck drivers. Although it might seem like food just stays on the shelves, fact is, if long-haul truckers stopped driving, most grocery stores would start running out of food in three days.  

Fact #8: Last, but not least, truck drivers earn less than most Americans. As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2018, the average trucker income was about $46,800 annually.

Got any more interesting trucking industry facts to share? Comment below!

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