GITNUXREPORT 2025

Long Distance Statistics

Long-distance trucking industry valued over $1 trillion, vital for global logistics.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Long-haul trucking accounts for approximately 40% of freight transportation energy consumption in the U.S.

Statistic 2

Long-distance trucking is responsible for approximately 6% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from transport, highlighting environmental impacts

Statistic 3

The percentage of long-distance freight transported via intermodal shipping (combining rail and truck) is around 15% globally, increasing with infrastructure investments

Statistic 4

The amount of time trucks spend idling during long-distance trips can exceed 5 hours daily, contributing to pollution and fuel waste

Statistic 5

The average age of freight trucks operating in Europe is over 10 years, with newer models expected to reduce emissions and improve safety

Statistic 6

Long-distance trucking is a major contributor to noise pollution along highways, with truck noise exceeding regulatory limits in some regions

Statistic 7

The adoption of renewable energy sources in trucking, such as biodiesel and electric power, is projected to expand the sustainability of long-distance freight transport

Statistic 8

The average long-haul truck driver in the U.S. drives about 2,700 miles per week

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Long-distance truck drivers in the U.S. spend approximately 240 hours per month on the road

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The median annual salary for long-distance truck drivers in the U.S. is around $50,000

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The average age of long-distance truck drivers in the U.S. is 49 years, indicating an aging workforce

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The demand for long-distance trucking drivers is projected to grow by 2% annually through 2030 in the U.S., due to e-commerce growth and supply chain needs

Statistic 13

An estimated 20-25% of long-distance drivers experience fatigue-related incidents, emphasizing safety concerns

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Long-distance trucking companies report that over 35% of their drivers are women, indicating a gradual increase in gender diversity

Statistic 15

The global long-distance trucking market was valued at approximately $1.07 trillion in 2020

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Over 70% of freight transported in the United States moves via trucks

Statistic 17

About 80% of the goods shipped in the U.S. are transported via trucks, emphasizing their importance in long-distance freight

Statistic 18

In Europe, the long-distance freight transport market is expected to grow at a CAGR of about 4.2% from 2021 to 2028

Statistic 19

The largest segment within long-distance transportation is road freight, accounting for over 75% of total freight moved across borders

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The number of registered heavy-duty trucks in the U.S. exceeds 3.5 million, many of which are involved in long-distance freight

Statistic 21

Over 90% of freight transported across North America moves via trucking, highlighting its dominance in long-distance logistics

Statistic 22

The global freight telematics market, crucial for long-distance trucking efficiency, is projected to reach $4.02 billion by 2025

Statistic 23

Around 60% of long-distance freight transports in Europe are carried by road, with rail and sea making up the rest

Statistic 24

The global cold chain logistics market, critical for long-distance transport of perishables, was valued over $15 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.4%

Statistic 25

In 2020, approximately 60% of freight transported across Canada and the U.S. by trucks was via long-distance routes, emphasizing North America's reliance on trucking

Statistic 26

The global market for truck trailer manufacturing is expected to reach $94 billion by 2027, driven by demand for specialized long-distance freight containers

Statistic 27

The proportion of long-distance freight transported by refrigerated trucks (reefers) is about 18% worldwide, necessary for perishables

Statistic 28

Approximately 85% of long-distance trucking companies in the U.S. are small to midsize businesses, reflecting the fragmented nature of the industry

Statistic 29

Global investments in digital freight brokerage platforms, which facilitate long-distance shipments, exceeded $1 billion in 2022, indicating digital transformation in logistics

Statistic 30

The average wait time at long-distance trucking checkpoints is around 30 minutes, affecting delivery schedules

Statistic 31

Fuel costs represent about 40% of total operating costs for long-distance truck transportation companies

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The average annual miles driven per long-distance truck in the U.S. is approximately 107,000 miles

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In 2022, the number of long-distance trucking accidents in the U.S. was approximately 11,000, representing a significant safety concern

Statistic 34

The average turnaround time for cross-border trucking between the U.S. and Mexico is about 5 hours, affecting supply chain efficiency

Statistic 35

Modern long-distance trucks can travel over 1,000 miles on a single tank of fuel, improving range and operational efficiency

Statistic 36

The average length of haul for long-distance freight in the U.S. is approximately 800 miles, although some routes extend beyond 2,000 miles

Statistic 37

The implementation of autonomous trucks for long-distance freight is projected to reduce transportation costs by up to 40% by 2030, according to industry analysts

Statistic 38

The lifespan of a typical long-distance trucking vehicle is approximately 15 years, depending on maintenance and usage

Statistic 39

The average cost of truck maintenance per mile for long-distance trucks is roughly $0.15, influencing operational expenses

Statistic 40

The average speed of long-distance trucks on highways is about 60 mph, which impacts delivery times and fuel consumption

Statistic 41

A significant portion of cross-border shipment delays is caused by customs inspections, adding an average of 3–6 hours to transit times

Statistic 42

The rise of e-commerce has increased the demand for shorter, more frequent long-distance deliveries, impacting trucking routes and schedules

Statistic 43

Approximately 29% of all long-haul trucks in the U.S. are equipped with advanced safety technology such as collision mitigation and lane departure warnings

Statistic 44

Many long-distance trucks are now equipped with GPS tracking, with penetration rates exceeding 70% in North America, aiding route optimization

Statistic 45

State-of-the-art driver-assistance systems are connected to real-time traffic data to reduce delays and improve safety on long routes, with penetration increasing annually

Statistic 46

The implementation of electronic logging devices (ELDs) has reduced violations related to hours-of-service regulations by approximately 50%, improving safety standards

Statistic 47

Many long-distance trucks are now utilizing fuel-efficient aerodynamics designs, reducing drag and increasing fuel economy by up to 15%

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Key Highlights

The global long-distance trucking market was valued at approximately $1.07 trillion in 2020
Over 70% of freight transported in the United States moves via trucks
The average long-haul truck driver in the U.S. drives about 2,700 miles per week
Long-distance truck drivers in the U.S. spend approximately 240 hours per month on the road
The median annual salary for long-distance truck drivers in the U.S. is around $50,000
About 80% of the goods shipped in the U.S. are transported via trucks, emphasizing their importance in long-distance freight
Long-haul trucking accounts for approximately 40% of freight transportation energy consumption in the U.S.
The average age of long-distance truck drivers in the U.S. is 49 years, indicating an aging workforce
In Europe, the long-distance freight transport market is expected to grow at a CAGR of about 4.2% from 2021 to 2028
The largest segment within long-distance transportation is road freight, accounting for over 75% of total freight moved across borders
Approximately 29% of all long-haul trucks in the U.S. are equipped with advanced safety technology such as collision mitigation and lane departure warnings
The average wait time at long-distance trucking checkpoints is around 30 minutes, affecting delivery schedules
The number of registered heavy-duty trucks in the U.S. exceeds 3.5 million, many of which are involved in long-distance freight

Long-distance trucking drives the global economy with over $1 trillion in market value and individuals covering thousands of miles weekly, yet faces growing challenges from safety concerns, environmental impact, and rapid technological change.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Long-haul trucking accounts for approximately 40% of freight transportation energy consumption in the U.S.
Long-distance trucking is responsible for approximately 6% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from transport, highlighting environmental impacts
The percentage of long-distance freight transported via intermodal shipping (combining rail and truck) is around 15% globally, increasing with infrastructure investments
The amount of time trucks spend idling during long-distance trips can exceed 5 hours daily, contributing to pollution and fuel waste
The average age of freight trucks operating in Europe is over 10 years, with newer models expected to reduce emissions and improve safety
Long-distance trucking is a major contributor to noise pollution along highways, with truck noise exceeding regulatory limits in some regions
The adoption of renewable energy sources in trucking, such as biodiesel and electric power, is projected to expand the sustainability of long-distance freight transport

Environmental Impact and Sustainability Interpretation

While long-haul trucking fuels nearly half of the U.S. freight industry and contributes significantly to emissions and pollution—particularly through inefficient idling and aging fleets—advancements like intermodal shipping, cleaner energy, and newer trucks offer a road map toward a more sustainable and quieter future in freight transportation.

Labor and Workforce Characteristics

The average long-haul truck driver in the U.S. drives about 2,700 miles per week
Long-distance truck drivers in the U.S. spend approximately 240 hours per month on the road
The median annual salary for long-distance truck drivers in the U.S. is around $50,000
The average age of long-distance truck drivers in the U.S. is 49 years, indicating an aging workforce
The demand for long-distance trucking drivers is projected to grow by 2% annually through 2030 in the U.S., due to e-commerce growth and supply chain needs
An estimated 20-25% of long-distance drivers experience fatigue-related incidents, emphasizing safety concerns
Long-distance trucking companies report that over 35% of their drivers are women, indicating a gradual increase in gender diversity

Labor and Workforce Characteristics Interpretation

While long-haul truckers traverse roughly 2,700 miles weekly, earning a median salary of $50,000 amid an aging workforce and rising gender diversity, the industry's heavy reliance on drivers spending nearly 240 hours monthly on the road underscores both economic growth and pressing safety challenges as demand continues to expand.

Market Size and Scope

The global long-distance trucking market was valued at approximately $1.07 trillion in 2020
Over 70% of freight transported in the United States moves via trucks
About 80% of the goods shipped in the U.S. are transported via trucks, emphasizing their importance in long-distance freight
In Europe, the long-distance freight transport market is expected to grow at a CAGR of about 4.2% from 2021 to 2028
The largest segment within long-distance transportation is road freight, accounting for over 75% of total freight moved across borders
The number of registered heavy-duty trucks in the U.S. exceeds 3.5 million, many of which are involved in long-distance freight
Over 90% of freight transported across North America moves via trucking, highlighting its dominance in long-distance logistics
The global freight telematics market, crucial for long-distance trucking efficiency, is projected to reach $4.02 billion by 2025
Around 60% of long-distance freight transports in Europe are carried by road, with rail and sea making up the rest
The global cold chain logistics market, critical for long-distance transport of perishables, was valued over $15 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.4%
In 2020, approximately 60% of freight transported across Canada and the U.S. by trucks was via long-distance routes, emphasizing North America's reliance on trucking
The global market for truck trailer manufacturing is expected to reach $94 billion by 2027, driven by demand for specialized long-distance freight containers
The proportion of long-distance freight transported by refrigerated trucks (reefers) is about 18% worldwide, necessary for perishables
Approximately 85% of long-distance trucking companies in the U.S. are small to midsize businesses, reflecting the fragmented nature of the industry
Global investments in digital freight brokerage platforms, which facilitate long-distance shipments, exceeded $1 billion in 2022, indicating digital transformation in logistics

Market Size and Scope Interpretation

With trucks carrying over 80% of U.S. freight and a global market surpassing a trillion dollars, it's clear that in long-distance logistics, the road is the only route—fueled by a fleet of millions, digital innovations, and a steady growth that keeps goods moving faster than ever.

Operational Metrics and Costs

The average wait time at long-distance trucking checkpoints is around 30 minutes, affecting delivery schedules
Fuel costs represent about 40% of total operating costs for long-distance truck transportation companies
The average annual miles driven per long-distance truck in the U.S. is approximately 107,000 miles
In 2022, the number of long-distance trucking accidents in the U.S. was approximately 11,000, representing a significant safety concern
The average turnaround time for cross-border trucking between the U.S. and Mexico is about 5 hours, affecting supply chain efficiency
Modern long-distance trucks can travel over 1,000 miles on a single tank of fuel, improving range and operational efficiency
The average length of haul for long-distance freight in the U.S. is approximately 800 miles, although some routes extend beyond 2,000 miles
The implementation of autonomous trucks for long-distance freight is projected to reduce transportation costs by up to 40% by 2030, according to industry analysts
The lifespan of a typical long-distance trucking vehicle is approximately 15 years, depending on maintenance and usage
The average cost of truck maintenance per mile for long-distance trucks is roughly $0.15, influencing operational expenses
The average speed of long-distance trucks on highways is about 60 mph, which impacts delivery times and fuel consumption
A significant portion of cross-border shipment delays is caused by customs inspections, adding an average of 3–6 hours to transit times
The rise of e-commerce has increased the demand for shorter, more frequent long-distance deliveries, impacting trucking routes and schedules

Operational Metrics and Costs Interpretation

Long-distance trucking, with its 30-minute checkpoint waits, 40% fuel costs, and an average of 107,000 miles annually, underscores a high-stakes balancing act where efficiency, safety, and innovation—like autonomous vehicles projected to slash costs by 40%—are critical to keeping America's supply chain wheels turning steadily, despite unpredictable delays and aging equipment.

Technology and Innovation

Approximately 29% of all long-haul trucks in the U.S. are equipped with advanced safety technology such as collision mitigation and lane departure warnings
Many long-distance trucks are now equipped with GPS tracking, with penetration rates exceeding 70% in North America, aiding route optimization
State-of-the-art driver-assistance systems are connected to real-time traffic data to reduce delays and improve safety on long routes, with penetration increasing annually
The implementation of electronic logging devices (ELDs) has reduced violations related to hours-of-service regulations by approximately 50%, improving safety standards
Many long-distance trucks are now utilizing fuel-efficient aerodynamics designs, reducing drag and increasing fuel economy by up to 15%

Technology and Innovation Interpretation

With nearly a third of long-haul trucks boasting advanced safety tech, GPS tracking over 70%, and ELDs cutting violations in half, the freight industry is steering towards smarter, safer, and more fuel-efficient roads—proof that innovation is truly in the driver's seat.