The trucking industry is the dynamic force behind the U.S. economy. Practically every product used and consumed in the country has been on a truck at some point. They haul tons of freight day in and day out. The industry also hires millions of employees in a year. If you want to know more about this top-grossing business, read on.
Seven Noteworthy Things About the Trucking Industry
The U.S. trucking industry is one of the most significant revenue streams in the country.
The total revenue of the U.S. trucking industry is almost $800 billion. Because of the industry’s immense contributions to the nation’s income, it is hard to imagine the roads without trucks. Without these hauling vehicles, the economy will suffer as none of the big businesses’ operations could function.
The truck industry is in a state of constant growth and innovation. It brings in more than $30 billion by providing jobs to drivers and other employees. Facilitating the continuous movement of products around the country keeps commerce and trade running. These boost and impact the economy significantly.
Trucks are responsible for moving 70% of the nation’s consumer and commercial goods.
Many businesses rely on trucks for their daily operations. The national and local businesses’ ability to function depends on truck operations. Manufacturing, technological, retail, construction, and delivery services companies exist because of the trucking industry. The world will probably be at a standstill if trucking companies stop being operational.
In 2019 alone, trucks have heaved almost 12 billion tons of the nation’s freight. Logistics transport 91% lumber and wood, 83% of farming and agriculture produce, 92% of prepared dairy food and other canned items, and 65% of pharmaceutical essentials.
There are nearly one million for-hire carriers on file.
In 2020, 161.5 million public, private, and commercial lorries were registered in the U.S. More than 10% of all registered vehicles are commercial trucks. The country’s trucking industry operates 16 million heavy trucks.
Our multi-truck operation is included in these statistics. We are committed to safe and quality shipping services. Check out our rates and services by checking out our website.
Fleets spend almost $200,000 per year on operational costs for one commercial vehicle.
The operating costs are within the average of $1.76 per mile. If this is multiplied by the number of miles traveled throughout the year, you are looking at a whopping $190,000 in operational costs.
How about fuel? One vehicle consumes approximately 20,500 gallons in a year. That translates to $70,000 in annual diesel fuel costs. On the other hand, yearly maintenance amounts to more than $15,000 if you include all the parts such as alternators, brakes, wires, and air hoses.
But there is no need to worry about shouldering these costs. Give us a call if you need trucking services.
Truck drivers need a Class A CDP license to operate a truck.
Becoming a professional truck driver in the U.S. is quite a tedious process. Some trucking schools require GEDs or high school diplomas. In addition, they will need to meet requirements, such as:
- At least 18 years old to drive state lines and 21 years old for state-to-state drive
- Proof of state residency
- A social security number
- Insurance
- A clean driving record
- Passing periodic drug and medical tests
- Passing a background check
After these requirements are met, they are to secure a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). This is a pre-requisite in applying for their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Through the CLP, they also get the skills required for Class A CDL.
Once they obtain their CLP, they will need to attend a CDL training school in their state. After getting their CDL, they need to undergo a truck driver training program for three to seven weeks. This program could cost up to $10,000, but many employers and schools offer tuition reimbursement programs.
To be able to drive heavy-duty trucks, they need to attend the Class A program. Class A is the most comprehensive option since it gives them access to many types of commercial trucks. They can later drive tractors, livestock carriers, tractor-trailers, and flatbeds.
A truck driving career offers them competitive salaries, flexible hours, and the opportunity to travel around the country. Some companies even have routes to Canada and Mexico! Finally, after getting their CDL certified, they can start working.
Truck driving is one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S.
Accidents involving heavy commercial trucks almost always result in disastrous consequences for the truck driver and other road users. In 2017, the lorries were involved in 107,000 road crashes that resulted in passenger injuries. Around 25,000 of these turned out to be fatal.
Accidents are not the only factor that endangers the truck driver and his shipment. The long and tiring hours on the road for several days in a row could also lead to inadequate rest, improper meals, and isolation. Truck drivers become susceptible to health issues such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal injuries. Stress and fatigue could also lead to psychological problems.
Other occupational hazards of truck driving are falling, slipping, and tripping while on the job. Drivers can also get injuries from being exposed to the equipment they carry and lifting heavy containers and packages.
Self-driving automotive has started making its way into the industry.
One of the problems faced by the industry is a shortage of truck drivers. It has been struggling with this problem since 2015. Because of the advanced average age of truck drivers, which is 46, companies are having trouble finding replacements for those opting to retire. They are also putting safety priorities that contribute to the difficulty of finding the most qualified drivers.
Self-driven trucks can be an answer to these shortages. There is no reason to believe that it could render truck drivers unemployed as these trucks also need human supervision. In addition, self-driving trucks decrease the chances of accidents on the road. By reducing carbon emissions, they can also positively impact the environment.
At Trojan Horse Truck Services, our professional drivers have the skill-set and experience in driving class 8 tractors. All of them are highly trained and dependable. Should you need our hauling services, please call us at 602-332-087 or send us an email at trojanhorseaz@gmail.com.
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