Trucking in the USA: 25 Interesting Facts and Metrics for 2025

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The trucking industry remains a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, with millions of trucks on the road, and billions of tons of freight transported annually. Here are 25 facts and metrics that paint a comprehensive picture of the state of trucking in the USA as of 2025:

1. Industry Size: Trucking accounts for over 70% of all freight transported in the United States, making it the most preferred mode of transporting goods across the country.
2. Employment: The trucking industry employs around 3.6 million truck drivers, which reflects its crucial role in the U.S. job market.
3. Economic Contribution: Trucking contributes approximately 5% to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
4. Fuel Consumption: The industry consumes about 54 billion gallons of fuel yearly, with diesel remaining the predominant choice.
5. Average Salary: The average annual salary for truck drivers is approximately $50,000, but experienced drivers can earn significantly more depending on their routes and freight types.
6. Number of Trucks: There are over 15.5 million trucks in operation, including both commercial trucks and freight vehicles.
7. Miles Traveled: Annually, U.S. trucks cover a combined total of around 300 billion miles.
8. Freight Volume: Trucks in the U.S. transport about 10.8 billion tons of freight each year.
9. Electric Trucks: By 2025, around 2% of all trucks on the road are electric, as the industry moves towards more sustainable practices.
10. Technology Adoption: Adoption of GPS tracking and real-time data monitoring has become standard, improving logistics and fleet management efficiency.
11. Safety Statistics: The rate of accidents involving trucks has decreased by 4% from the previous decade due to better safety technologies and stricter regulations.
12. Regulations: Compliance with the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate is near universal, ensuring drivers adhere to hours-of-service regulations.
13. Autonomous Trucks: Pilot programs for autonomous trucks are underway in several states, with significant investments from major tech and transport companies.
14. Insurance Costs: Average insurance costs for truck drivers have increased to about $7,000 per annum due to the high value of transported goods and the inherent risks of road transport.
15. Driver Shortage: There is an ongoing shortage of qualified truck drivers, with an estimated gap of approximately 60,000 drivers.
16. Driver Demographics: About 10% of all truck drivers are women, a figure that has been steadily increasing over the past decade.
17. Carbon Emissions: The trucking industry is responsible for approximately 20% of all transportation-related emissions in the U.S.
18. Major Hubs: Texas, California, and Illinois remain the top states for trucking activity due to their large manufacturing bases and strategic locations.
19. Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic accelerated the adoption of contactless and digital technologies for shipping and receiving operations.
20. Average Age of Trucks: The average age of a commercial truck in the U.S. is around 7 years, reflecting ongoing renewals and upgrades to more efficient models.
21. Cross-Border Trucking: Trucks moved over $720 billion worth of goods between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in 2025, emphasizing the importance of North American trade agreements.
22. Training and Certification: New regulations have increased the requirements for driver training, emphasizing safety and compliance.
23. Industry Challenges: Major challenges include managing fuel costs, navigating urban congestion, and maintaining driver health and safety.
24. Logistics Technology: The integration of blockchain technology is improving the transparency and efficiency of freight logistics.
25. Future Outlook: The industry is expected to grow at a steady rate of 3% annually, driven by increasing consumer demand and advances in vehicle technologies.