GITNUXREPORT 2026

Commercial Truck Industry Statistics

The commercial truck industry remains vital for the economy but faces driver shortages and rapid technological change.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

U.S. average truckload spot rate was $2.10 per mile in Q4 2023.

Statistic 2

For-hire carriers operated 92% of U.S. truck miles in 2022.

Statistic 3

Average U.S. truck fleet size for large carriers was 1,200 trucks in 2023.

Statistic 4

Trucks traveled 332.1 billion miles on U.S. highways in 2022.

Statistic 5

Single-trailer tractor-trailers accounted for 64.1% of truck miles in 2022.

Statistic 6

U.S. private fleets account for 61.4% of all trucks but only 22.9% of miles.

Statistic 7

Average age of U.S. Class 8 trucks is 7.1 years in 2023.

Statistic 8

Combination trucks represented 5.2% of registered vehicles but 28.9% of miles traveled.

Statistic 9

U.S. for-hire trucking average annual mileage per truck was 109,000 miles in 2022.

Statistic 10

Straight trucks made up 95% of single-unit trucks, traveling shorter distances.

Statistic 11

U.S. truck utilization rate averaged 96% for loaded miles in 2023.

Statistic 12

Multi-trailer trucks accounted for 2.4% of miles but higher ton-miles.

Statistic 13

Average U.S. carrier operates 50 trucks on average in 2023.

Statistic 14

Trucks under 26,001 lbs GVW traveled 71.7 billion miles in 2022.

Statistic 15

U.S. drayage trucks handled 40% of port container moves in 2023.

Statistic 16

Average empty mile percentage for U.S. trucks was 19% in 2023.

Statistic 17

Heavy-haul trucks over 80,000 lbs GVW traveled 12.5 billion miles.

Statistic 18

U.S. regional haulers average 500-800 miles per trip.

Statistic 19

Tanker trucks represented 6% of U.S. fleet in 2023.

Statistic 20

U.S. truck OOS rate was 22.4% during inspections in 2023.

Statistic 21

Long-haul trucks over 500 miles account for 25% of shipments.

Statistic 22

U.S. flatbed trucks make up 15% of specialized fleet.

Statistic 23

Refrigerated trucks (reefers) traveled 8.2 billion ton-miles in 2022.

Statistic 24

U.S. average truck speed on interstates was 55 mph in 2023.

Statistic 25

Bulk commodity haulers dominate 40% of ton-miles.

Statistic 26

U.S. truck driver turnover rate for large carriers was 94% annualized in 2023.

Statistic 27

In 2023, the U.S. commercial trucking industry moved 72.5% of the nation's freight by value, totaling over $10 trillion in goods.

Statistic 28

The global commercial truck market size was valued at $567.6 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $789.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%.

Statistic 29

U.S. Class 8 truck sales reached 266,400 units in 2023, marking a 12% increase from 2022.

Statistic 30

The trucking industry in the U.S. employs 3.55 million truck drivers as of 2023.

Statistic 31

Freight revenue from U.S. trucking hit a record $940.8 billion in 2022.

Statistic 32

Medium-duty truck market in North America was valued at $32.4 billion in 2023.

Statistic 33

The European commercial vehicle market grew by 7.5% in 2023, reaching 2.9 million units.

Statistic 34

U.S. for-hire trucking carriers operated 1.8 million trucks in 2022.

Statistic 35

China's heavy-duty truck sales surged to 1.15 million units in 2023.

Statistic 36

The U.S. truckload segment accounted for 68% of trucking revenue in 2022.

Statistic 37

Less-than-truckload (LTL) market in the U.S. was valued at $80 billion in 2023.

Statistic 38

Global electric truck market expected to grow from $1.8 billion in 2023 to $57.5 billion by 2030.

Statistic 39

U.S. private truck fleets numbered 10.2 million vehicles in 2022.

Statistic 40

Indian commercial vehicle industry produced 983,000 units in FY2023.

Statistic 41

Brazil's truck market sales reached 152,600 units in 2023.

Statistic 42

U.S. trucking industry supports 26 million jobs indirectly through supply chain in 2023.

Statistic 43

Autonomous truck market projected to reach $1.7 trillion by 2035 globally.

Statistic 44

U.S. heavy-duty truck registrations grew 5.2% to 4.1 million in 2022.

Statistic 45

Japan's commercial truck production was 456,000 units in 2023.

Statistic 46

Mexico's heavy truck sales hit 50,200 units in 2023.

Statistic 47

U.S. carrier truck tonnage index rose 2.1% in 2023.

Statistic 48

Global truck leasing market size was $112 billion in 2023.

Statistic 49

U.S. vocational truck segment sales were 92,000 units in 2023.

Statistic 50

South Korea's truck exports reached 78,000 units in 2023.

Statistic 51

U.S. trucking fuel costs averaged $58 billion annually in 2023.

Statistic 52

Australia commercial vehicle sales totaled 58,900 units in 2023.

Statistic 53

Russia truck production was 112,000 heavy-duty units in 2023.

Statistic 54

U.S. intermodal trucking handled 15 million containers in 2023.

Statistic 55

Canada truck market sales grew 8% to 145,000 units in 2023.

Statistic 56

U.S. large truck fatal crash rate was 0.60 per 100 million miles in 2022.

Statistic 57

4,876 large trucks involved in fatal crashes in 2022, killing 5,183 people.

Statistic 58

Truck occupant fatalities decreased 2% to 859 in 2022.

Statistic 59

74% of large truck fatal crashes involved a single tractor-trailer.

Statistic 60

Rollover crashes accounted for 17% of large truck occupant deaths in 2022.

Statistic 61

Driver fatigue cited in 13% of fatal large truck crashes.

Statistic 62

U.S. large trucks had 471,000 injury crashes in 2022.

Statistic 63

Speeding involved in 29% of large truck fatal crashes.

Statistic 64

Underride crashes caused 312 fatalities in truck crashes 2017-2021.

Statistic 65

ELD compliance reduced HOS violations by 50% post-2017 mandate.

Statistic 66

CSA scores improved for 85% of carriers post-safety tech adoption.

Statistic 67

Brake-related violations in 25% of truck OOS inspections.

Statistic 68

Distracted driving in 8% of large truck crashes.

Statistic 69

Cargo securement failures in 15% of injury crashes.

Statistic 70

Nighttime large truck fatal crashes 20% higher rate.

Statistic 71

Alcohol impairment in 3% of truck drivers in fatal crashes.

Statistic 72

Collision avoidance tech reduced rear-end crashes by 50%.

Statistic 73

Tire blowouts cause 11,000 crashes annually.

Statistic 74

Interstate highways saw 57% of large truck fatal crashes.

Statistic 75

Seatbelt usage by truck drivers 98% in crashes with fatalities.

Statistic 76

HOS violations dropped to 14.6% post-ELD.

Statistic 77

69% of truck-passenger vehicle crashes are passenger vehicle at fault.

Statistic 78

Fire incidents in 1.9% of large truck crashes.

Statistic 79

Speed limiters could prevent 1,385 truck crashes yearly.

Statistic 80

Vision blockers in 30% of truck turning crashes.

Statistic 81

Telematics adoption in 60% of fleets reduced accidents 20%.

Statistic 82

U.S. trucks emitted 380 million metric tons CO2 in 2022.

Statistic 83

Diesel trucks average 6.5 mpg, improving 1.5% annually.

Statistic 84

15% of new Class 8 trucks sold with natural gas engines in 2023.

Statistic 85

Autonomous trucking pilots logged 45 million miles by 2023.

Statistic 86

Telematics systems installed in 70% of U.S. fleets over 100 trucks.

Statistic 87

Electric trucks charged 2.5 GWh in U.S. commercial ops 2023.

Statistic 88

Predictive maintenance AI cuts downtime 25% in fleets.

Statistic 89

Hydrogen fuel cell trucks reached 500 units globally in 2023.

Statistic 90

ADAS features in 45% of new medium-duty trucks.

Statistic 91

Fuel efficiency standards Phase 2 save $120B by 2027.

Statistic 92

V2V communication tested to cut congestion 20%.

Statistic 93

LNG trucks number 35,000 in North America 2023.

Statistic 94

Digital dash cams with AI in 55% of top 500 carriers.

Statistic 95

Battery-electric trucks range averaged 250 miles in 2023.

Statistic 96

Platooning tech saves 7% fuel in trials.

Statistic 97

Retrofit kits for emissions cut NOx 90%.

Statistic 98

5G connectivity in trucks enables real-time routing for 40% fleets.

Statistic 99

Aerodynamic devices standard on 80% new Class 8 trucks.

Statistic 100

Remote diagnostics used by 65% fleets, uptime +15%.

Statistic 101

Propane trucks 28,000 in U.S. vocational use.

Statistic 102

Level 4 autonomy approved for hub-to-hub ops in Texas 2023.

Statistic 103

Smart tires with sensors in 20% premium fleets.

Statistic 104

GHG Phase 3 rules target 25% efficiency gain by 2030.

Statistic 105

The U.S. trucking industry employs 3.55 million drivers, with 2.1 million long-haul.

Statistic 106

Average truck driver salary in U.S. was $59,500 in 2023.

Statistic 107

Driver shortage projected at 82,000 in 2024 for U.S. carriers.

Statistic 108

78% of U.S. truck drivers are over 45 years old in 2023.

Statistic 109

Women represent 8.1% of U.S. professional truck drivers in 2023.

Statistic 110

Average tenure for U.S. truck drivers is 5.2 years with current carrier.

Statistic 111

94.1% turnover rate for large truckload carriers in Q2 2023.

Statistic 112

Entry-level drivers earn $45,000 annually on average in 2023.

Statistic 113

1.2 million CDL holders are underutilized in 2023.

Statistic 114

Hispanic drivers comprise 25% of U.S. trucking workforce.

Statistic 115

Training costs per new driver average $7,000-$10,000 in 2023.

Statistic 116

60% of drivers cite pay as top reason for leaving jobs.

Statistic 117

U.S. requires 160,000 new drivers annually to replace retirees.

Statistic 118

Owner-operators number 450,000 in U.S., 10% of workforce.

Statistic 119

Benefits satisfaction among drivers is 65% for health insurance.

Statistic 120

42% of drivers work 60+ hours per week in 2023.

Statistic 121

CDL training schools graduated 45,000 drivers in 2023.

Statistic 122

Driver age median is 47 years in U.S. trucking.

Statistic 123

30% turnover attributed to work-life balance issues.

Statistic 124

Unionized drivers are 12% of workforce, higher pay by 15%.

Statistic 125

Foreign-born drivers 18% of total U.S. drivers.

Statistic 126

Overtime pay averages $1.50 above base for drivers.

Statistic 127

25% of new hires quit within first 90 days.

Statistic 128

Independent contractors earn $2.00-$2.50 per mile gross.

Statistic 129

Safety bonus incentives used by 70% of fleets.

1/129

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While the commercial trucking industry quietly moved over ten trillion dollars worth of goods last year, these twenty-five critical statistics reveal the unprecedented scale, fierce challenges, and technological revolution defining its future.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, the U.S. commercial trucking industry moved 72.5% of the nation's freight by value, totaling over $10 trillion in goods.
The global commercial truck market size was valued at $567.6 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $789.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%.
U.S. Class 8 truck sales reached 266,400 units in 2023, marking a 12% increase from 2022.
U.S. average truckload spot rate was $2.10 per mile in Q4 2023.
For-hire carriers operated 92% of U.S. truck miles in 2022.
Average U.S. truck fleet size for large carriers was 1,200 trucks in 2023.
The U.S. trucking industry employs 3.55 million drivers, with 2.1 million long-haul.
Average truck driver salary in U.S. was $59,500 in 2023.
Driver shortage projected at 82,000 in 2024 for U.S. carriers.
U.S. large truck fatal crash rate was 0.60 per 100 million miles in 2022.
4,876 large trucks involved in fatal crashes in 2022, killing 5,183 people.
Truck occupant fatalities decreased 2% to 859 in 2022.
U.S. trucks emitted 380 million metric tons CO2 in 2022.
Diesel trucks average 6.5 mpg, improving 1.5% annually.
15% of new Class 8 trucks sold with natural gas engines in 2023.

The commercial truck industry remains vital for the economy but faces driver shortages and rapid technological change.

Fleet Operations

U.S. average truckload spot rate was $2.10 per mile in Q4 2023.
For-hire carriers operated 92% of U.S. truck miles in 2022.
Average U.S. truck fleet size for large carriers was 1,200 trucks in 2023.
Trucks traveled 332.1 billion miles on U.S. highways in 2022.
Single-trailer tractor-trailers accounted for 64.1% of truck miles in 2022.
U.S. private fleets account for 61.4% of all trucks but only 22.9% of miles.
Average age of U.S. Class 8 trucks is 7.1 years in 2023.
Combination trucks represented 5.2% of registered vehicles but 28.9% of miles traveled.
U.S. for-hire trucking average annual mileage per truck was 109,000 miles in 2022.
Straight trucks made up 95% of single-unit trucks, traveling shorter distances.
U.S. truck utilization rate averaged 96% for loaded miles in 2023.
Multi-trailer trucks accounted for 2.4% of miles but higher ton-miles.
Average U.S. carrier operates 50 trucks on average in 2023.
Trucks under 26,001 lbs GVW traveled 71.7 billion miles in 2022.
U.S. drayage trucks handled 40% of port container moves in 2023.
Average empty mile percentage for U.S. trucks was 19% in 2023.
Heavy-haul trucks over 80,000 lbs GVW traveled 12.5 billion miles.
U.S. regional haulers average 500-800 miles per trip.
Tanker trucks represented 6% of U.S. fleet in 2023.
U.S. truck OOS rate was 22.4% during inspections in 2023.
Long-haul trucks over 500 miles account for 25% of shipments.
U.S. flatbed trucks make up 15% of specialized fleet.
Refrigerated trucks (reefers) traveled 8.2 billion ton-miles in 2022.
U.S. average truck speed on interstates was 55 mph in 2023.
Bulk commodity haulers dominate 40% of ton-miles.
U.S. truck driver turnover rate for large carriers was 94% annualized in 2023.

Fleet Operations Interpretation

While American highways are dominated by a vast network of specialized, heavily utilized trucks—with astonishingly few empty miles—the industry's frenetic pace is fundamentally fueled by a revolving door of drivers, all navigating the delicate balance between razor-thin margins per mile and the relentless demand to keep the nation’s freight moving.

Industry Overview

In 2023, the U.S. commercial trucking industry moved 72.5% of the nation's freight by value, totaling over $10 trillion in goods.
The global commercial truck market size was valued at $567.6 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $789.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%.
U.S. Class 8 truck sales reached 266,400 units in 2023, marking a 12% increase from 2022.
The trucking industry in the U.S. employs 3.55 million truck drivers as of 2023.
Freight revenue from U.S. trucking hit a record $940.8 billion in 2022.
Medium-duty truck market in North America was valued at $32.4 billion in 2023.
The European commercial vehicle market grew by 7.5% in 2023, reaching 2.9 million units.
U.S. for-hire trucking carriers operated 1.8 million trucks in 2022.
China's heavy-duty truck sales surged to 1.15 million units in 2023.
The U.S. truckload segment accounted for 68% of trucking revenue in 2022.
Less-than-truckload (LTL) market in the U.S. was valued at $80 billion in 2023.
Global electric truck market expected to grow from $1.8 billion in 2023 to $57.5 billion by 2030.
U.S. private truck fleets numbered 10.2 million vehicles in 2022.
Indian commercial vehicle industry produced 983,000 units in FY2023.
Brazil's truck market sales reached 152,600 units in 2023.
U.S. trucking industry supports 26 million jobs indirectly through supply chain in 2023.
Autonomous truck market projected to reach $1.7 trillion by 2035 globally.
U.S. heavy-duty truck registrations grew 5.2% to 4.1 million in 2022.
Japan's commercial truck production was 456,000 units in 2023.
Mexico's heavy truck sales hit 50,200 units in 2023.
U.S. carrier truck tonnage index rose 2.1% in 2023.
Global truck leasing market size was $112 billion in 2023.
U.S. vocational truck segment sales were 92,000 units in 2023.
South Korea's truck exports reached 78,000 units in 2023.
U.S. trucking fuel costs averaged $58 billion annually in 2023.
Australia commercial vehicle sales totaled 58,900 units in 2023.
Russia truck production was 112,000 heavy-duty units in 2023.
U.S. intermodal trucking handled 15 million containers in 2023.
Canada truck market sales grew 8% to 145,000 units in 2023.

Industry Overview Interpretation

The numbers don't lie: whether hauling three-quarters of America's economy or electrifying for a $57.5 billion future, the world is built on the back of a relentless, multi-trillion-dollar, and increasingly innovative trucking industry.

Safety

U.S. large truck fatal crash rate was 0.60 per 100 million miles in 2022.
4,876 large trucks involved in fatal crashes in 2022, killing 5,183 people.
Truck occupant fatalities decreased 2% to 859 in 2022.
74% of large truck fatal crashes involved a single tractor-trailer.
Rollover crashes accounted for 17% of large truck occupant deaths in 2022.
Driver fatigue cited in 13% of fatal large truck crashes.
U.S. large trucks had 471,000 injury crashes in 2022.
Speeding involved in 29% of large truck fatal crashes.
Underride crashes caused 312 fatalities in truck crashes 2017-2021.
ELD compliance reduced HOS violations by 50% post-2017 mandate.
CSA scores improved for 85% of carriers post-safety tech adoption.
Brake-related violations in 25% of truck OOS inspections.
Distracted driving in 8% of large truck crashes.
Cargo securement failures in 15% of injury crashes.
Nighttime large truck fatal crashes 20% higher rate.
Alcohol impairment in 3% of truck drivers in fatal crashes.
Collision avoidance tech reduced rear-end crashes by 50%.
Tire blowouts cause 11,000 crashes annually.
Interstate highways saw 57% of large truck fatal crashes.
Seatbelt usage by truck drivers 98% in crashes with fatalities.
HOS violations dropped to 14.6% post-ELD.
69% of truck-passenger vehicle crashes are passenger vehicle at fault.
Fire incidents in 1.9% of large truck crashes.
Speed limiters could prevent 1,385 truck crashes yearly.
Vision blockers in 30% of truck turning crashes.
Telematics adoption in 60% of fleets reduced accidents 20%.

Safety Interpretation

While heavy trucks and the 4,876 tragic fatal crashes they were involved in during 2022 demand relentless improvement, the data offers a clear blueprint: proven technologies like ELDs and collision avoidance systems are significantly reducing driver errors and saving lives, showing us exactly where to double down our efforts.

Technology

U.S. trucks emitted 380 million metric tons CO2 in 2022.
Diesel trucks average 6.5 mpg, improving 1.5% annually.
15% of new Class 8 trucks sold with natural gas engines in 2023.
Autonomous trucking pilots logged 45 million miles by 2023.
Telematics systems installed in 70% of U.S. fleets over 100 trucks.
Electric trucks charged 2.5 GWh in U.S. commercial ops 2023.
Predictive maintenance AI cuts downtime 25% in fleets.
Hydrogen fuel cell trucks reached 500 units globally in 2023.
ADAS features in 45% of new medium-duty trucks.
Fuel efficiency standards Phase 2 save $120B by 2027.
V2V communication tested to cut congestion 20%.
LNG trucks number 35,000 in North America 2023.
Digital dash cams with AI in 55% of top 500 carriers.
Battery-electric trucks range averaged 250 miles in 2023.
Platooning tech saves 7% fuel in trials.
Retrofit kits for emissions cut NOx 90%.
5G connectivity in trucks enables real-time routing for 40% fleets.
Aerodynamic devices standard on 80% new Class 8 trucks.
Remote diagnostics used by 65% fleets, uptime +15%.
Propane trucks 28,000 in U.S. vocational use.
Level 4 autonomy approved for hub-to-hub ops in Texas 2023.
Smart tires with sensors in 20% premium fleets.
GHG Phase 3 rules target 25% efficiency gain by 2030.

Technology Interpretation

While the trucking industry is belching out a staggering 380 million tons of CO2 annually, its collective toolbox—from the creeping adoption of natural gas and electric rigs to AI-driven efficiency and the steady march toward autonomy—reveals a sector that is finally getting serious about cleaning up its act, one painfully slow but smart upgrade at a time.

Workforce

The U.S. trucking industry employs 3.55 million drivers, with 2.1 million long-haul.
Average truck driver salary in U.S. was $59,500 in 2023.
Driver shortage projected at 82,000 in 2024 for U.S. carriers.
78% of U.S. truck drivers are over 45 years old in 2023.
Women represent 8.1% of U.S. professional truck drivers in 2023.
Average tenure for U.S. truck drivers is 5.2 years with current carrier.
94.1% turnover rate for large truckload carriers in Q2 2023.
Entry-level drivers earn $45,000 annually on average in 2023.
1.2 million CDL holders are underutilized in 2023.
Hispanic drivers comprise 25% of U.S. trucking workforce.
Training costs per new driver average $7,000-$10,000 in 2023.
60% of drivers cite pay as top reason for leaving jobs.
U.S. requires 160,000 new drivers annually to replace retirees.
Owner-operators number 450,000 in U.S., 10% of workforce.
Benefits satisfaction among drivers is 65% for health insurance.
42% of drivers work 60+ hours per week in 2023.
CDL training schools graduated 45,000 drivers in 2023.
Driver age median is 47 years in U.S. trucking.
30% turnover attributed to work-life balance issues.
Unionized drivers are 12% of workforce, higher pay by 15%.
Foreign-born drivers 18% of total U.S. drivers.
Overtime pay averages $1.50 above base for drivers.
25% of new hires quit within first 90 days.
Independent contractors earn $2.00-$2.50 per mile gross.
Safety bonus incentives used by 70% of fleets.

Workforce Interpretation

The industry is hemorrhaging experienced, aging drivers who rightly demand better pay and work-life balance, yet it's struggling to replace them because the grueling lifestyle and mediocre entry-level pay repel new talent, despite a vast pool of underused potential.

Sources & References

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