
Here’s a closer look at the trucking industry statistics highlighting the significance of the backbone of America – truckers.
The trucking industry statistics are truly remarkable. It’s an industry topping $726.4 billion in revenue for 2015 and responsible for six percent of all jobs in America.
If you bought it, they brought it. Truck drivers keep America rolling by driving countless and lonely hours delivering the cargo we desire. Without trucks to ship things, those shelves would be mighty bare and those same-day delivering services from your online shopping wouldn’t be possible without truckers.
Don’t believe us? Check out the trucking industry statistics.
Merge onto any highway and you’ll see countless semi trucks heading in either direction of the road. Seems like they’re endless amounts of them right? You would be correct, in fact 80 percent of all cargo in the USA!

There are 3.5 million truck drivers in the trucking industry who put their life at risk delivering an array of commodities and goods. Drivers operate heavy-duty trucks with a load weighing as much as 80,000 pounds. In 2015, 852 truck drivers lost their life while working, making truck driver the most dangerous job in the USA. So remember to give truck drivers space and don’t tailgate.

Truck drivers haul a variety of goods with machinery, electronic and motorized vehicles making up 27 percent of goods shipped by truck drivers in America. The most common thing trucks haul is machinery, followed by electronics and motorized vehicles. Additionally, mixed freight includes commodities such as food and restaurant supplies.

Let’s face it, without the trucking industry we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the things we have. Shelves would be empty and people would undoubtedly be in a state of panic if that happens. The trucking industry statistics don’t lie!




Industry Update - May 19, 2020 <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4>
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<img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b1.jpeg" alt="Truck Stops" />
<h3><strong>Truck Stops to Remain Open</strong></h3>
As the nation endures the Covid-19 pandemic, <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/truck-stops-remain-open-pandemic-despite-hit-bottom-line">truck stops have been working to ensure that drivers have a helping hand</a>. Some truck stops like Iowa 80 have enforced measures to limit the Covid-19 spread while keeping the showers and restrooms open. Loves installed plexiglass at all its stores, restaurants, and truck registers. Petro has remained open and has packaged their convenience store foods in a way that prioritizes customer safety.
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<img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b2.jpeg" alt="FMCSA" />
<h3><strong>FMCSA HOS Rule Updates</strong></h3>
The <a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/hours-service-drivers-final-rule">Final Rule</a> features four key changes to existing Hours of Service requirements.
<ul>
<li>The Agency will increase safety and flexibility for the 30-minute break rule by requiring a break after 8 hours of consecutive driving and allowing the break to be satisfied by a driver using on-duty, not driving status, rather than off-duty status.</li>
<li>The Agency will modify the sleeper-berth exception to allow drivers to split their required 10 hours off duty into two periods: an 8/2 split, or a 7/3 split—with neither period counting against the driver’s 14‑hour driving window.</li>
<li>The Agency will modify the adverse driving conditions exception by extending by two hours the maximum window during which driving is permitted.</li>
<li>The Agency will change the short-haul exception available to certain commercial drivers by lengthening the drivers’ maximum on‑duty period from 12 to 14 hours and extending the distance limit within which the driver may operate from 100 air miles to 150 air miles.</li>
</ul>
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<img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b3.jpeg" alt="Jobs" />
<h3><strong>More than 80,000 Jobs Lost Last April</strong></h3>
According to the<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.t17.htm"> Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>, 88,300 jobs were lost in the trucking industry, a 6.2% year-over-year decline, as the entire economy continues to suffer due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that around 60% of the jobs mentioned are drivers.
Spring Driving Tips for Truckers
[p]Spring is here and we are getting ready to welcome summer. Soon temperatures are going to soar, and rain will make its entry into the equation.[/p]
[p]As a trucker, it's both good and bad news for you. Good because you don't have to fight against snow or subzero temperatures anymore and bad because now rain, landslides, and other hazards will introduce themselves. Therefore, you must still be attentive when you drive your truck while also enjoying the scenic views the American highways have to offer. Let’s take a look at some of the challenges you might face driving in spring as a trucker.
[/p]
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[p][b]Tackling Rain[/b][/p]
[p]At the start of spring and early summer, the weather begins to change, and with that comes rain and slippery roads. It shouldn't be too much of an issue driving in the rain because you are fresh off the winter season, and you must have tackled snowy roads during that period. However, you should exercise caution since roads become very slippery during the first few minutes of rain. You should slow down and maintain a safe distance from other trucks and vehicles on the road. If conditions are too treacherous and visibility is an issue, it is better to bide at a truck stop and wait for the storm to pass.[/p]
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[p][b]Construction Season[/b][/p]
[p]The start of spring signals the beginning of the construction season, especially in the Midwest. If you
pass through a construction site, make sure to pay attention to all the road signs. You should slow down and change lanes with more care to avoid any accidents. If you practice caution, you will save others and yourself from unnecessary harm.[/p]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202104-TP-BLOG-SpringTips-2.jpg" alt=""]
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[p][b]Sun Glare[/b][/p]
[p]The sun shines bright during the spring and summer seasons. It also means that you have more hours of daylight to tackle. Therefore, keep a pair of sunglasses by your side to protect your eyes from damage - not to mention look cool as well. Furthermore, keep the truck's windshield clean, especially since bugs will also be aplenty during this time.[/p]
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[p][b]Scenic Highways to Try This Season[/b][/p]
[p]Driving during spring season has some advantages too. You can also enjoy your time driving on scenic routes. Imagine getting paid to drive some of the most beautiful roads in America! Not everyone has that pleasure, so you must make the most out of it when you can.[/p]
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[p][b]Route 12, Utah[/b][/p]
[p]The red rocks of Utah are a treat to watch, especially in early spring. The route presents exquisite views as you drive through the Canyons and wind down the challenging roads.[/p]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202104-TP-BLOG-SpringTips-Cover-Route12Utah.jpg" alt=""]
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[p][b]Trail Ridge Road, Colorado[/b][/p]
[p]It is extra fun to drive in high altitudes, especially in spring. The Trail Ridge Road is the country's highest continually paved road that follows through the Rocky Mountain National Park. You will get to see several wildlife species during your drive and witness outstanding scenery at every corner and straight.[/p]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202104-TP-BLOG-SpringTips-Cover-TrailRidgeRoad.jpg" alt=""]
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[p][b]Final Thoughts [/b][/p]
[p]The spring season is a good time for truckers as you can bask in the sun, enjoy scenic views, and make some good money while doing it. However, remember to take extra care and not be complacent while you are having fun. Do you have some awesome spring destinations? Share it with us.
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[p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]
President Trump Discusses The Trucking Industry
[p]President Trump met with executives from the trucking industry as well as representatives from the American Trucking Association on Thursday at the White House, including ATA President and CEO Chris Spear.[/p]
[p]Topics of the discussion included the new health care bill which repeals the Affordable Care Act as well as infrastructure and other important topics facing the trucking industry.[/p]
[quote]“Trucking is the backbone of the nation’s economy. We employ 1 in 16 people in the U.S. Driving a truck is the top job in 29 states. Trucking moves 70% of the nation’s freight and 56% of GDP. To grow our economy, we need to take care of the people that move America forward,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear.[/quote]
[p]<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTruckerPath%2Fvideos%2F1160858214060459%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe>[/p]
[h2]ATA Supports President Trump's Healthcare Plan[/h2]
[p]The Affordable Care Act was established by the Obama Administration seven years ago to the day. A vote by the House on a new health care bill was expected today but has since been delayed.[/p]
[quote]“The Affordable Care Act is just plain unaffordable,” Spear said. “Replacing this law will help trucking employees, their families and our customers by lowering insurance costs, decrease mandates, liabilities and administrative burdens, and provide access to quality care and patient choice.”[/quote]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/03/cnn-healthcare-1.jpg" alt=""]
[p][b]Provisions that will remain:[/b][/p]
[ul]
[li]Dependent coverage up to the age of 26[/li]
[li]Pre-existing conditions are protected[/li]
[li]No lifetime limits[/li]
[li]Keeps cap on maximum out-of pocket expenses[/li]
[/ul]
[p][b]New provisions:[/b][/p]
[ul]
[li]Eliminates employer mandates[/li]
[li]Subsidies include refundable tax credits[/li]
[li]Medicaid would be overhauled and more responsibiities would be left to states[/li]
[/ul]
[h2]Trump ❤ Trucks[/h2]
[p]<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If he promised not to tweet anything crazy today, we told him he could wear his "I ❤Trucks" button. <a href="https://t.co/zTdCxOpatK">pic.twitter.com/zTdCxOpatK</a></p>— Trump Social Intern (@TrumPenceSocial) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrumPenceSocial/status/844999341064511490">March 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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