Photo: Votpuske, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
What It Is
The trucking industry is the backbone of the American economy, moving over 70% of all freight transported in the United States. With approximately 2.2 million truck drivers and nearly 16 million trucks on the road, the industry generates over $900 billion in revenue annually. The industry ranges from massive national carriers to small family-owned operations and individual owner-operators.
Why It Matters
The trucking industry matters because modern life simply couldn't function without it. During the COVID-19 pandemic, truck drivers were recognized as essential workers who kept supply chains running. The industry offers career opportunities for people from all backgrounds, often without requiring a college degree, and provides paths to business ownership for drivers who want to become owner-operators.
