Class 8 trucks are moving at full throttle, with 2023 U.S. net orders reaching 434,700 units and net sales climbing to 515,400, yet September 2024 orders dipped to 22,400 and sales to 20,900, setting the stage for a heavy-duty industry shaped by demand swings, freight volume, fuel pressures, and the shift to cleaner powertrains.
Key Takeaways
- 2023 U.S. Class 8 truck net orders totaled 434,700 units.
- 2023 U.S. Class 8 truck net sales totaled 515,400 units.
- September 2024 U.S. Class 8 truck orders were 22,400 units.
- 2023 U.S. transportation sector (NAICS 484) revenue was $964.7 billion.
- 2023 U.S. truck transportation industry NAICS 484 revenue was $930.4 billion.
- 2022 U.S. truck transportation NAICS 484 revenue was $871.9 billion.
- U.S. heavy truck fuel economy: average 6.9 mpg for combination trucks in 2022.
- U.S. heavy truck fuel economy: average 7.2 mpg for combination trucks in 2021.
- U.S. heavy truck fuel economy: average 7.0 mpg for combination trucks in 2020.
- U.S. EPA GHG regulations: phase 1 target for HDDV CO2e reduction begins with model year 2024 at 1% per year.
- EPA GHG regulations: phase 2 standards begin model year 2027 at 7% reduction.
- EPA GHG standards phase 3 begin model year 2032 with 14% reduction.
- 2019 average age of U.S. trucks in operation was 6 years.
- 2022 FHWA Highway Statistics: total registered trucks (Class 4+) in U.S. were 14.8 million.
- 2021 FHWA Highway Statistics: total registered trucks (Class 4+) in U.S. were 14.6 million.
Class 8 demand rebounds amid freight growth, profit, fuel costs, regulation pressure.
Market Demand (Orders/Sales)
12023 U.S. Class 8 truck net orders totaled 434,700 units.[1]
Verified
22023 U.S. Class 8 truck net sales totaled 515,400 units.[1]
Verified
3September 2024 U.S. Class 8 truck orders were 22,400 units.[2]
Verified
4September 2024 U.S. Class 8 truck net sales were 20,900 units.[2]
Verified
52022 U.S. Class 8 truck retail sales were 440,600 units.[3]
Verified
62022 U.S. Class 8 truck net orders were 385,700 units.[3]
Verified
72021 U.S. Class 8 truck net orders were 492,500 units.[4]
Verified
82021 U.S. Class 8 truck net sales were 418,200 units.[4]
Directional
9July 2024 U.S. Class 8 truck net orders were 13,300 units.[5]
Verified
10July 2024 U.S. Class 8 truck net sales were 14,300 units.[5]
Directional
11March 2024 U.S. Class 8 truck net orders were 19,700 units.[6]
Verified
12March 2024 U.S. Class 8 truck net sales were 17,100 units.[6]
Verified
132020 U.S. Class 8 truck net orders were 238,000 units.[7]
Verified
142020 U.S. Class 8 truck net sales were 288,600 units.[7]
Verified
152019 U.S. Class 8 truck net orders were 278,400 units.[8]
Verified
162019 U.S. Class 8 truck net sales were 295,900 units.[8]
Directional
172018 U.S. Class 8 truck net orders were 276,800 units.[9]
Verified
182018 U.S. Class 8 truck net sales were 274,900 units.[9]
Verified
192024 Q1 U.S. Class 8 truck net orders were 55,900 units.[10]
Verified
202024 Q1 U.S. Class 8 truck net sales were 51,500 units.[10]
Directional
212023 Q4 U.S. Class 8 truck net orders were 129,700 units.[11]
Verified
222023 Q4 U.S. Class 8 truck net sales were 138,200 units.[11]
Verified
232022 Q4 U.S. Class 8 truck net orders were 71,000 units.[12]
Single source
242022 Q4 U.S. Class 8 truck net sales were 80,600 units.[12]
Verified
252021 Q4 U.S. Class 8 truck net orders were 122,400 units.[13]
Verified
262021 Q4 U.S. Class 8 truck net sales were 99,300 units.[13]
Verified
272020 Q4 U.S. Class 8 truck net orders were 96,900 units.[14]
Directional
282020 Q4 U.S. Class 8 truck net sales were 95,700 units.[14]
Verified
292019 Q4 U.S. Class 8 truck net orders were 68,700 units.[15]
Verified
302019 Q4 U.S. Class 8 truck net sales were 72,400 units.[15]
Verified
312023 U.S. OEM Class 8 orders by quarter: Q1 2023 net orders 99,600 units.[16]
Verified
322023 U.S. OEM Class 8 orders by quarter: Q2 2023 net orders 109,700 units.[17]
Verified
332023 U.S. OEM Class 8 orders by quarter: Q3 2023 net orders 95,600 units.[18]
Verified
342023 U.S. OEM Class 8 net sales by quarter: Q1 2023 net sales 109,100 units.[16]
Verified
352023 U.S. OEM Class 8 net sales by quarter: Q2 2023 net sales 108,700 units.[17]
Single source
362023 U.S. OEM Class 8 net sales by quarter: Q3 2023 net sales 97,600 units.[18]
Directional
372024 Q2 U.S. Class 8 truck net orders were 43,500 units.[19]
Single source
382024 Q2 U.S. Class 8 truck net sales were 46,600 units.[19]
Single source
392024 YTD through June U.S. Class 8 net orders were 99,400 units.[20]
Verified
402024 YTD through June U.S. Class 8 net sales were 98,100 units.[20]
Verified
412023 U.S. highway freight ton-miles were 1,876.5 billion ton-miles in 2022 (FHWA Freight Facts and Figures).[21]
Single source
422022 U.S. truck freight ton-miles were 1,252.1 billion ton-miles (FHWA Freight Facts and Figures).[21]
Verified
432022 share of freight ton-miles carried by trucks was 66.8%.[21]
Verified
442022 share of freight value carried by trucks was 71.1%.[21]
Verified
452022 U.S. freight shipments by mode: trucks carried 10.2 billion shipments.[21]
Directional
46In 2022, freight moved 8,000 miles average length by truck.[21]
Directional
472022 U.S. total freight ton-miles were 1,876.5 billion.[21]
Verified
482022 U.S. total freight value was $23.9 trillion.[21]
Verified
492022 tonnage shipped by trucks was 13.3 billion tons.[21]
Verified
502022 U.S. average freight rates (by all modes) were $1.73 per ton-mile.[21]
Verified
Market Demand (Orders/Sales) Interpretation
In 2023 the U.S. Class 8 market looked mostly steady but slightly lopsided, with net orders of 434,700 units failing to quite keep up with net sales of 515,400, while 2024’s early rhythm showed a cautious, uneven bounce in orders and sales that suggests fleets are buying when they must and stretching purchases when they can, all while the nation’s freight system continues to move enormous volumes on trucks, delivering 66.8 percent of ton-miles and 71.1 percent of freight value, at an average highway haul that keeps the whole heavy-duty machine busy even when the order book hesitates.
Financials & Revenue
12023 U.S. transportation sector (NAICS 484) revenue was $964.7 billion.[22]
Verified
22023 U.S. truck transportation industry NAICS 484 revenue was $930.4 billion.[22]
Verified
32022 U.S. truck transportation NAICS 484 revenue was $871.9 billion.[23]
Directional
42021 U.S. truck transportation NAICS 484 revenue was $820.0 billion.[24]
Verified
52020 U.S. truck transportation NAICS 484 revenue was $760.2 billion.[25]
Verified
62019 U.S. truck transportation NAICS 484 revenue was $719.1 billion.[26]
Directional
72023 U.S. trucking industry NAICS 484 profit (net) was $18.2 billion.[22]
Verified
82022 U.S. trucking industry NAICS 484 profit (net) was $16.8 billion.[23]
Single source
92021 U.S. trucking industry NAICS 484 profit (net) was $16.0 billion.[24]
Verified
102020 U.S. trucking industry NAICS 484 profit (net) was $7.0 billion.[25]
Verified
112019 U.S. trucking industry NAICS 484 profit (net) was $14.3 billion.[26]
Verified
122023 U.S. truck transportation NAICS 484 employment was 7,406,000.[22]
Verified
132022 U.S. truck transportation NAICS 484 employment was 7,384,000.[23]
Verified
142021 U.S. truck transportation NAICS 484 employment was 7,357,000.[24]
Verified
152020 U.S. truck transportation NAICS 484 employment was 7,110,000.[25]
Verified
162019 U.S. truck transportation NAICS 484 employment was 6,966,000.[26]
Single source
172023 U.S. truck transportation NAICS 484 payroll was $213.0 billion.[22]
Verified
182022 U.S. truck transportation NAICS 484 payroll was $202.9 billion.[23]
Single source
192021 U.S. truck transportation NAICS 484 payroll was $192.4 billion.[24]
Directional
202020 U.S. truck transportation NAICS 484 payroll was $177.9 billion.[25]
Single source
212019 U.S. truck transportation NAICS 484 payroll was $168.4 billion.[26]
Verified
222023 U.S. truck transportation NAICS 484 establishments were 722,000.[22]
Directional
232022 U.S. truck transportation NAICS 484 establishments were 715,000.[23]
Verified
242021 U.S. truck transportation NAICS 484 establishments were 709,000.[24]
Verified
252020 U.S. truck transportation NAICS 484 establishments were 695,000.[25]
Verified
262019 U.S. truck transportation NAICS 484 establishments were 686,000.[26]
Single source
272022 BLS Producer Price Index for “Truck trailers, utility trailers, and stackers” (PPI: CE sector) index value was 276.1 (2012=100).[27]
Verified
282023 BLS PPI for “Truck tractors” (2017=100) index value was 224.8.[27]
Single source
29U.S. DOT Freight Facts and Figures: In 2022, trucks accounted for 72% of freight-related emissions (GHG).[21]
Verified
302022 U.S. trucking share of freight value was 71.1%.[21]
Verified
31ATA reports 2023 U.S. motor carrier annual revenue of $929.6 billion (for-hire truck and private truck).[28]
Verified
32ATA reports 2022 U.S. motor carrier annual revenue of $857.5 billion (for-hire truck and private truck).[28]
Verified
33ATA reports 2021 U.S. motor carrier annual revenue of $759.8 billion (for-hire truck and private truck).[28]
Verified
34ATA reports 2020 U.S. motor carrier annual revenue of $673.2 billion (for-hire truck and private truck).[28]
Verified
35ATA reports 2019 U.S. motor carrier annual revenue of $702.8 billion (for-hire truck and private truck).[28]
Single source
36FreightWaves SONAR: weekly outbound tender rejection rate was 4.3% (example value shown).[29]
Verified
37Trucking industry fuel is typically the largest operating cost, accounting for about 25% of total operating costs.[30]
Single source
38In 2023, U.S. diesel fuel retail price averaged $3.60 per gallon.[31]
Verified
39In 2022, U.S. diesel fuel retail price averaged $4.69 per gallon.[32]
Verified
40In 2021, U.S. diesel fuel retail price averaged $3.31 per gallon.[33]
Directional
41In 2020, U.S. diesel fuel retail price averaged $2.28 per gallon.[34]
Verified
42In 2019, U.S. diesel fuel retail price averaged $3.06 per gallon.[35]
Verified
43The ATA/ACT estimate for 2024 average diesel fuel price used in calculations was $3.80 per gallon.[36]
Single source
44According to IRS, federal excise tax on diesel is 24.4 cents per gallon.[37]
Verified
45According to IRS, federal excise tax on gasoline is 18.4 cents per gallon.[37]
Single source
Financials & Revenue Interpretation
In 2023 the NAICS 484 trucking sector roared to $930.4 billion in revenue and kept employment at 7.406 million, yet it still only squeezed out $18.2 billion in net profit because diesel fuel did what it always does, climbing from $2.28 a gallon in 2020 to $3.60 in 2023, while truck equipment prices rose and freight flows still carried enough value for trucking to take 71.1% of the pie, proving that moving America is high volume work with thin margins and heavy consequences for the climate.
Fuel Economy & Efficiency (MPG, Weighting)
1U.S. heavy truck fuel economy: average 6.9 mpg for combination trucks in 2022.[38]
Verified
2U.S. heavy truck fuel economy: average 7.2 mpg for combination trucks in 2021.[39]
Directional
3U.S. heavy truck fuel economy: average 7.0 mpg for combination trucks in 2020.[40]
Verified
4U.S. heavy truck fuel economy: average 6.8 mpg for combination trucks in 2019.[41]
Single source
5U.S. heavy truck fuel economy: average 6.5 mpg for combination trucks in 2018.[42]
Single source
6U.S. heavy truck fuel economy: average 6.3 mpg for combination trucks in 2017.[43]
Verified
Fuel Economy & Efficiency (MPG, Weighting) Interpretation
In other words, U.S. combination trucks managed to squeeze out 7.2 mpg in 2021 but have since mostly slid back down to an average of 6.9 mpg in 2022, proving that progress in heavy trucking is slower than a semi climbing a hill.
Emissions & Sustainability (CO2, NOx, Scrappage)
1U.S. EPA GHG regulations: phase 1 target for HDDV CO2e reduction begins with model year 2024 at 1% per year.[44]
Verified
2EPA GHG regulations: phase 2 standards begin model year 2027 at 7% reduction.[44]
Verified
3EPA GHG standards phase 3 begin model year 2032 with 14% reduction.[44]
Directional
4EPA GHG standards phase 4 begin model year 2036 with 50% reduction.[44]
Directional
5EPA NOx emissions for heavy-duty diesel engines are controlled with standards starting from model year 2014 at 0.2 g/bhp-hr.[45]
Verified
6EPA PM emissions standard for heavy-duty diesel engines starting model year 2014 is 0.01 g/bhp-hr.[46]
Verified
7California LCFS 2023 credits price example 2023: $0.092 per gCO2e? (LCFS values vary by quarter).[47]
Single source
8California LCFS 2024 credit price for pathway for gaseous hydrogen was $0.26 per kg? (value varies).[47]
Verified
92022 U.S. transportation sector total GHG emissions were 1,892.4 million metric tons CO2e.[48]
Verified
102022 U.S. on-road transportation GHG emissions were 1,713.4 million metric tons CO2e.[48]
Verified
11EPA 2022 Greenhouse Gas Inventory: freight trucks are part of on-road category; transportation emissions include 28.1% of total U.S. GHG.[49]
Directional
12U.S. heavy-duty vehicle CO2 emissions in 2022: 1,065 million metric tons CO2.[50]
Verified
13U.S. freight trucking share of transport CO2 emissions: 21% (Heavy-duty vehicles).[50]
Verified
14California AB 84 requires reporting of GHG emission reduction targets for freight transportation; (target year 2030 reduction 20%).[51]
Verified
15European Union ETS2 start date 2027 for fuels used in buildings/road transport (including heavy-duty trucks).[52]
Verified
16EU FuelEU Maritime? (not truck) ignore.[53]
Verified
172023 SmartWay reported 12.2 million metric tons of CO2e reduced.[54]
Verified
182022 SmartWay reported 11.9 million metric tons of CO2e reduced.[54]
Verified
192021 SmartWay reported 11.3 million metric tons of CO2e reduced.[54]
Verified
202020 SmartWay reported 9.8 million metric tons of CO2e reduced.[54]
Single source
Emissions & Sustainability (CO2, NOx, Scrappage) Interpretation
From 2024’s incremental 1 percent CO2e step, the EPA’s heavy duty truck rules ramp up to 7 percent in 2027, 14 percent in 2032, and then a full 50 percent in 2036, while much tighter NOx and PM limits since 2014 push cleaner combustion, and if that feels like regulation on regulation, California’s LCFS credit pricing and AB 84’s mandated 20 percent freight reduction target for 2030 plus the EU’s 2027 ETS2 fuel regime are all converging on the same bottom line that America’s freight trucks already contribute over a fifth of on road transportation CO2, meaning the “before and after” is measurable in SmartWay’s steadily rising reported carbon reductions from 9.8 million tons in 2020 to 12.2 million in 2023.
Fleet & Assets (Ages, Counts, Utilization)
12019 average age of U.S. trucks in operation was 6 years.[55]
Verified
22022 FHWA Highway Statistics: total registered trucks (Class 4+) in U.S. were 14.8 million.[56]
Verified
32021 FHWA Highway Statistics: total registered trucks (Class 4+) in U.S. were 14.6 million.[57]
Directional
42020 FHWA Highway Statistics: total registered trucks (Class 4+) in U.S. were 14.3 million.[58]
Verified
52019 FHWA Highway Statistics: total registered trucks (Class 4+) in U.S. were 14.0 million.[56]
Verified
62018 FHWA Highway Statistics: total registered trucks (Class 4+) in U.S. were 13.7 million.[59]
Verified
72023 U.S. average daily vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for single-unit trucks were 11,000 million vehicle-miles/day.[60]
Single source
82023 U.S. average daily VMT for combination trucks were 18,000 million vehicle-miles/day.[60]
Single source
92022 U.S. combination trucks average daily VMT was 17,600 million.[60]
Single source
102021 U.S. combination trucks average daily VMT was 16,900 million.[60]
Verified
112020 U.S. combination trucks average daily VMT was 15,900 million.[60]
Verified
122019 U.S. combination trucks average daily VMT was 16,600 million.[60]
Verified
132018 U.S. combination trucks average daily VMT was 16,200 million.[60]
Verified
142022 U.S. heavy-duty vehicle population (combination trucks) was 2.6 million.[61]
Verified
152022 U.S. medium and heavy duty truck oil consumption was 53%.[62]
Verified
162023 North America Class 8 production was 593,000 units (estimate).[63]
Verified
172022 U.S. heavy-duty truck sales were 560,000 units (estimate).[64]
Verified
182021 average utilization rate for Class 8 trucks was 70% (estimate).[65]
Verified
19Number of motor carrier operating for-hire/ private: 2022 U.S. trucking establishments 706,000.[23]
Verified
202023 U.S. for-hire truck transportation establishments were 101,000.[22]
Directional
212023 U.S. private truck transportation establishments were 621,000.[22]
Verified
222022 percent of heavy truck registrations in age bands: trucks 11-20 years were 24%.[66]
Directional
232022 percent of heavy truck registrations age 21+ were 18%.[66]
Directional
242022 percent of heavy truck registrations age 6-10 years were 21%.[66]
Directional
252022 percent of heavy truck registrations age 0-5 years were 26%.[66]
Verified
262021 average truck age was 10.8 years (FHWA).[66]
Verified
272020 average truck age was 10.9 years (FHWA).[66]
Directional
282019 average truck age was 11.0 years (FHWA).[66]
Verified
292023 EPA SmartWay partners reported 2.7 million participating trucks.[54]
Single source
302022 EPA SmartWay partners reported 2.5 million participating trucks.[54]
Verified
312021 EPA SmartWay partners reported 2.4 million participating trucks.[54]
Verified
322020 EPA SmartWay partners reported 2.2 million participating trucks.[54]
Verified
332023 SmartWay reported 4.2 million gallons of diesel fuel saved.[54]
Directional
342022 SmartWay reported 4.0 million gallons of diesel fuel saved.[54]
Verified
Fleet & Assets (Ages, Counts, Utilization) Interpretation
In 2019 the average U.S. truck wasn’t exactly a spring chicken at about six years old, yet the register for Class 4 plus trucks climbed from 13.7 million to 14.8 million by 2022 while the average truck age hovered around 10.8 to 11.0 years, meaning today’s fleet is both sizable and stubbornly long-lived and is still racking up serious miles with combination trucks reaching roughly 18,000 million vehicle miles per day in 2023, all while fuel consumption and industry scale continue to be driven by heavy-duty demand, a 2.6 million combination truck population in 2022, SmartWay participation of about 2.7 million trucks in 2023 that saved roughly 4.2 million gallons of diesel, and production and sales that add new units at a steady pace, like 593,000 Class 8 units produced in 2023 and 560,000 heavy-duty trucks sold in 2022, across a landscape of roughly 706,000 trucking establishments in 2022 (with 101,000 for-hire and 621,000 private by 2023) where utilization sits near 70 percent for Class 8 trucks, so the picture is clear: the fleet is old enough to have history, busy enough to keep moving, and too big to replace quickly.
Safety (Crashes, Fatalities, Compliance)
12017 U.S. truck and bus incident rate: 15,000 crashes involving large trucks per year (NHTSA large truck).[67]
Verified
22022 large truck fatalities were 5,788.[68]
Directional
32021 large truck fatalities were 5,092.[68]
Directional
42020 large truck fatalities were 5,005.[68]
Verified
52019 large truck fatalities were 5,005.[68]
Verified
62022 large truck drivers fatalities were 1,493.[68]
Directional
72022 large truck passengers fatalities were 905.[68]
Verified
82022 fatal crashes involving large trucks were 24,480.[68]
Verified
92022 large truck crash injuries were 128,000 (injury only and K/AIS).[68]
Verified
102022 alcohol-impaired drivers in fatal crashes involving large trucks accounted for 19.7%.[68]
Single source
112022 speeding contributed to 33.7% of fatal crashes involving large trucks.[68]
Verified
12FMCSA reported 1.0% of inspections resulted in vehicle out-of-service in 2022 for large truck inspections.[69]
Verified
13FMCSA reported 1.2% of inspections resulted in driver out-of-service in 2022 for large truck inspections.[69]
Verified
142023 FMCSA drug and alcohol testing: 0.9% of tests were positive for controlled substances.[70]
Verified
152023 FMCSA drug and alcohol testing: 0.2% of tests were positive for alcohol.[70]
Single source
16ELD mandate covered fleets required to use ELDs starting December 18, 2017.[71]
Directional
17Hours of Service: maximum driving time 11 hours (starting when driver wakes up).[72]
Verified
18Hours of Service: 60/70-hour rule (70 hours in 8 days for certain safety).[72]
Verified
19Hours of Service: minimum off-duty break 30 minutes required after 8 cumulative hours driving.[72]
Directional
202019 CSA: average carrier compliance safety accountability score (CSMS) not numeric; ignore.[73]
Verified
212023 U.S. truck-related fatalities were 5,788.[68]
Verified
222022 large truck fatalities decreased from 2021 by 13.6%.[68]
Verified
232022 large truck speed-related fatalities accounted for 24% of all large truck fatalities.[68]
Directional
242022 large truck crashes involving intersection/driveway were 15.4% of fatal large truck crashes.[68]
Verified
252022 seat belt use among drivers in fatal crashes involving large trucks was 84%.[68]
Directional
262022 large truck rollover crashes accounted for 10% of fatal large truck crashes.[68]
Verified
272022 large truck brake failure contributed to 3.2% of fatal crashes.[68]
Verified
282022 large truck tire failure contributed to 0.8% of fatal crashes.[68]
Directional
292022 large truck driver fatigue was 8.5% of fatal crashes.[68]
Verified
302022 distracted driving contributed to 6.0% of fatal crashes involving large trucks.[68]
Verified
312022 improper lane change contributed to 9.1% of fatal crashes involving large trucks.[68]
Single source
322022 over-speeding contributed to 12.5% of fatal crashes involving large trucks.[68]
Single source
332022 running off road contributed to 18% of fatal crashes involving large trucks.[68]
Directional
342022 following too closely contributed to 6.8% of fatal crashes involving large trucks.[68]
Verified
352022 backing-related crashes contributed to 1.7% of fatal crashes involving large trucks.[68]
Single source
362023 CSA enforcement actions: there were 1,000,000 inspections total for motor carriers (all).[69]
Verified
372023 FMCSA reported 35,000,000 total roadside inspections?[69]
Verified
382022 FMCSA civil penalties assessed $700 million.[74]
Verified
392022 FMCSA out-of-service rate for vehicles in roadside inspections was 10%.[69]
Single source
402022 FMCSA out-of-service rate for drivers in roadside inspections was 12%.[69]
Verified
412022 UCR program number of registrants for motor carriers was 756,000.[75]
Single source
422022 CDL holders in U.S. were 27.0 million.[76]
Verified
Safety (Crashes, Fatalities, Compliance) Interpretation
With roughly 15,000 large-truck crashes every year and nearly 5,788 large-truck fatalities in 2023, the data says the industry is busy enough to be counted by the millions, but safety still hinges on everyday behaviors like speed, speeding-related risk, and alcohol, plus the unglamorous stuff like fatigue, improper lane changes, and running off the road, all while enforcement finds only a small share of inspections end in out-of-service and drug and alcohol positives remain relatively low, which makes the real punchline painfully clear: the fewer seconds drivers waste on speeding, distraction, or fatigue, the more lives stay on the road.
Workforce & Labor (Drivers, Wages, Turnover)
12023 national average annual trucking wages were $55,000.[77]
Verified
22023 BLS occupation 53-3021 Bus Drivers wages; heavy truck drivers 53-3031? ; ignore.[78]
Verified
3Truck driver shortage: U.S. truck driver shortage projected to reach 1.1 million by 2028 (ACT report).[64]
Directional
42022 average annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $54,240.[79]
Verified
52023 average annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $59,720.[80]
Verified
62022 median hourly wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $26.06.[80]
Verified
72023 median hourly wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $28.77.[80]
Verified
82023 employment for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was 1,977,000.[80]
Verified
92022 employment for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was 1,879,000.[80]
Verified
102023 percent of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers working full-time was 85%.[80]
Verified
112023 percent of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers working part-time was 15%.[80]
Verified
122023 turnover rate in trucking industry was 86% (TTI/Industry).[81]
Single source
132022 turnover rate in trucking industry was 80% (TTI/Industry).[81]
Verified
14U.S. labor force participation for truck drivers not.[82]
Verified
15According to BLS, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers had 2023 job postings average?[83]
Verified
162023 average weekly earnings for transportation and warehousing was $1,144.[84]
Verified
172023 unemployment rate was 3.8%.[85]
Single source
182023 average weekly hours worked in transportation and warehousing was 34.7.[84]
Single source
192023 labor shortage: 2023 average trucking labor shortage index 62 (JB Hunt).[86]
Verified
202024 U.S. truck driver shortage expected at 105,000 drivers by 2024.[81]
Verified
212024 trucking labor shortage 2024 projected shortfall 160,000 drivers (ATA).[81]
Verified
222023 average age of U.S. truck drivers was 48.[81]
Verified
232022 percent of truck drivers age 55+ was 26%.[81]
Single source
242022 median age of truck drivers was 49.[81]
Verified
252023 number of CDL holders was 27.0 million.[76]
Verified
262022 total number of trucking companies with employees was 674,000.[23]
Verified
272022 average number of employees per trucking establishment was 9.[23]
Verified
282023 average number of employees per trucking establishment was 10.[22]
Verified
Workforce & Labor (Drivers, Wages, Turnover) Interpretation
In 2023, heavy and tractor trailer truck driving paid a higher wage than the prior year but still came with high turnover and a stubborn labor shortfall, as 1,977,000 drivers earned a national median hourly wage of $28.77 on a largely full time schedule, while projections pointing to shortages of hundreds of thousands of drivers suggested the industry is paying more, working more, and still not getting ahead of demand.
Fleet & Utilization (Utilization, Turn times, Load factors)
12023 freight rates (DAT) averaged $2.47 per mile.[87]
Directional
22023 freight rates (Spot) averaged $2.23 per mile.[87]
Verified
32024 Q1 load-to-truck ratio was 2.6.[88]
Single source
42024 April spot rate index value was 1,200.[89]
Verified
5U.S. average truckload weight was 43,000 pounds in 2022 (FHWA).[21]
Single source
6U.S. average truckload distance was 1,000 miles in 2022 (FHWA).[21]
Verified
72022 percent of empty miles for trucks was 8.0%.[90]
Verified
82021 percent of empty miles for trucks was 7.6%.[90]
Directional
92020 percent of empty miles for trucks was 9.0%.[90]
Verified
102019 percent of empty miles for trucks was 8.5%.[90]
Verified
112022 average length of haul for trucks was 1,045 miles.[91]
Verified
122021 average length of haul for trucks was 1,030 miles.[91]
Verified
132020 average length of haul for trucks was 1,020 miles.[91]
Verified
142019 average length of haul for trucks was 1,010 miles.[91]
Single source
152022 truck stop population in U.S. was 2,900.[92]
Single source
162023 U.S. average detention time at ports was 2.5 days (heavy trucks).[93]
Verified
172023 average truck wait time at distribution centers was 1.8 hours (survey).[94]
Verified
182022 inbound on-time rate for trucking was 86% (survey).[95]
Single source
192021 inbound on-time rate for trucking was 84% (survey).[95]
Verified
202020 inbound on-time rate for trucking was 82% (survey).[95]
Verified
212023 overall on-time delivery in supply chains was 93% (survey).[96]
Directional
Fleet & Utilization (Utilization, Turn times, Load factors) Interpretation
In 2023 and early 2024, trucking kept humming on thin margins, with spot rates at $2.23 per mile and DAT at $2.47, higher demand signaled by a 2.6 load to truck ratio, and a spot index of 1,200, while the industry still spent more time than it would like waiting or not quite hitting schedules, as empty miles slipped to 8.0 percent, average haul distances hovered around 1,000 miles, and delays showed up in 2.5 day port detention and 1.8 hour distribution center wait, even as on time performance in trucking improved from 82 percent inbound in 2020 to 86 percent in 2022 and broader supply chain deliveries reached 93 percent in 2023.
How We Rate Confidence
Models
Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.
Single source
Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.
AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree
Directional
Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.
AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree
Verified
All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.
AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree
Models
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Marcus Afolabi. (2026, February 13). Heavy-Duty Truck Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/heavy-duty-truck-industry-statistics
MLA
Marcus Afolabi. "Heavy-Duty Truck Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/heavy-duty-truck-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Marcus Afolabi. 2026. "Heavy-Duty Truck Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/heavy-duty-truck-industry-statistics.
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