Planning on starting your own trucking company? A quick, easy way to get a good overview of the trucking industry is to read up on some fun facts about trucks. See what jobs the people in the trucking industry have, where truckers learn about general road safety during long haul trips, when to get commercial truck insurance, and how to get into the trucker lifestyle.
The trucking industry plays a crucial part in maintaining the economical health of the U.S. In fact, the industry generated upward of $791 billion dollars in the past year alone. This would amount to billions of freight tonnage per year.
On top of the diesel fuel taxes paid and business revenue contributed to the country's GDP, the trucking industry is also responsible for providing over a million people with jobs. General freight trucking positions range from large truck fleet operators to individual truck drivers. Everyone has a specific role.
Despite the modernization of freight planes, vessels, trains, and pipelines, cargo trucks remain the number one choice when it comes to overland goods and cargo movement. Statistics even show that 11.84 billion tons of freight were transported in the past year via cargo trucks. This far exceeds what was transported by air or sea. Surveys show that in terms of volume, air movement only accounts for one percent of the total freight movement in the country.
Abandon the stereotype that all truck drivers are large, burly men with sunburned skin from their long haul trips and bruised palms from daily driving. Research shows that out of the 3.5 million truckers in the U.S., 6.6.% are women.
There are several reasons why women are becoming more open to this type of job. First, jobs are becoming less gender-specific. As long as the individual is capable of performing the duties and responsibilities expected of truck drivers, there's no reason why he/she cannot become a trucker.
Second, the industry provides equal pay for all truck drivers—regardless of gender. Contrary to popular belief, the trucking industry is quite progressive. Yes, it's still a male-dominated industry, but most truck and freight companies are doing their part for all truckers to have an equal shot at making a good living.
Finally, there's a high demand for truckers. If these jobs remain exclusive to a specific gender, they'll quickly saturate the market and run out of potential candidates.
Entering the trucking industry isn't a get-rich-quick scheme. However, there are many fleet operators and truck company owners who are making well above six digits per year. In fact, statistics show that the average owner-operator in the U.S. makes about $199,616 per year. Note that the annual income may increase depending on how many trucks you own, drivers you hire, and long-haul trips you make.
Statistics show that the average tractor-trailer consumes an average of 6 miles per gallon. Meanwhile, modern diesel technology allows newer, more efficient trucks to drop their fuel consumption rate to just 10.5 miles per gallon. Note, however, that there are multiple factors that come into play when measuring the fuel consumption of any truck, these include:
Small business trucking companies such as individual owner-operators who only have one to two trucks are the backbone of the trucking industry. In fact, they make up about 90% of all truck companies in the U.S.
Almost all motorists blame large trucks for heavy traffics. However, they're not the biggest traffic-causing vehicles congesting the roads of the country. Surveys show that trucks compromise only 4.3% of the total highway traffic. Everyday sedans and SUVs are still to blame for the congestion.
The first truck was made by Charles Freuhauf all the way back in 1914. It was a tractor-trailer designed specifically to help Charles transport his boat from place to place.
Trucking is a very profitable industry that contributed more than $791 billion to the past year's GDP. The industry is also responsible for employing nearly one million truckers in the country.
These are just some of the most important trucking facts anyone who wants to enter the trucking industry should know about—whether as a truck driver or owner-operator. Learn more about the reality of creating a truck hauling and logistics business in the U.S. by talking to other owner-operators. Widen your network.
Overall, doing the necessary amount of research is the best way to combat the shiny object syndrome. Don't just dump all your money into hiring truck drivers and buying multiple trucks just because many get rich through trucking.
Yes, most trucking business owners make well over six digits. However, bear in mind that these are seasoned experts who understand the ins and outs of the job, have the best truck insurance to back their business, know how to utilize the performance of their trucks, and have delivered more than a billion tons of freight and goods already. There are no shortcuts to success in the freight and trucking business.
The trucking industry is crucial to the U.S. economy, generating upwards of $791 billion dollars a year and providing over a million jobs.
Despite the advancement of other freight transportation methods, cargo trucks remain the primary choice for overland goods movement, carrying 11.84 billion tons of freight in the past year.
Women make up 6.6% of the 3.5 million truckers in the U.S., with the industry providing equal pay and opportunities regardless of gender.
The income potential in the trucking industry can be significant, with the average owner-operator making about $199,616 per year.
Despite common misconceptions, trucks only contribute to 4.3% of total highway traffic.
Did you like these facts about trucks? For more information about starting a trucking company or becoming an owner-operator, check out the rest of Assured Standard!
William Parker is a program administrator. He is very attentive to detail and has strong organizational skills. He studied Business Administration at Marymount California University.
