GITNUXREPORT 2025

Supply Chain In The Trucking Industry Statistics

Trucking dominates US freight; driver shortages impact efficiency and costs.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Fuel efficiency improvements have resulted in a reduction of approximately 10% in fuel consumption over the past decade for commercial trucks

Statistic 2

More than 50% of trucking companies plan to increase their investment in green and renewable energy initiatives within their fleets by 2025, to reduce emissions

Statistic 3

The environmental impact of trucking accounts for roughly 25% of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions globally, driving investments in cleaner tech

Statistic 4

The adoption of electric commercial trucks in the U.S. is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 20% through 2030, helping to reduce carbon footprints

Statistic 5

The percentage of dual-mode trucks (road and rail) in the U.S. is less than 2%, but they are critical for specific cargo types, enhancing freight flexibility

Statistic 6

The average age of trucks in Europe is approximately 7 years, comparable to North American fleets, with increasing emphasis on environmental standards

Statistic 7

The majority of trucking companies are adopting sustainability initiatives, with over 50% planning to electrify parts of their fleets by 2025

Statistic 8

The percentage of goods transported via air freight remains below 1% of total freight, but its value is approximately 35%, indicating high value per weight or unit shipped

Statistic 9

The trucking industry's carbon emissions are expected to decrease by 20% by 2030 due to increased efficiency and clean energy adoption

Statistic 10

The trucking industry accounts for approximately 70% of all freight moved in the United States

Statistic 11

The trucking industry is responsible for transporting over 10 billion tons of goods annually in the U.S.

Statistic 12

The average trailer on the road in the U.S. is approximately 53 feet long

Statistic 13

The average cost of a gallon of diesel fuel in the U.S. has ranged from $2 to over $5 in recent years, impacting operational costs

Statistic 14

About 90% of goods shipped in the U.S. are moved via truck at some point in their supply chain

Statistic 15

The U.S. trucking industry generates roughly $791 billion annually in revenue

Statistic 16

The average freight charge per mile in North America is approximately $2.55, variety depending on cargo type

Statistic 17

The average speed of freight trucks in congested areas can drop below 20 mph, affecting delivery times

Statistic 18

The global logistics market is expected to reach $12.68 trillion by 2027, driven by supply chain growth

Statistic 19

The average turnaround time for a freight shipment is around 16–20 days, depending on distance and mode

Statistic 20

Over 65% of trucking companies operate with fewer than five trucks, indicating a high prevalence of small fleet operators

Statistic 21

Autonomous trucks are projected to reduce logistics costs by up to 45% in the next decade, though adoption is still in early stages

Statistic 22

The majority of freight disruptions are caused by driver shortages, equipment failures, and traffic congestion, collectively accounting for over 70% of delays

Statistic 23

The average life span of a commercial truck is approximately 12 years, after which maintenance and operational costs tend to escalate

Statistic 24

The occupancy rate of truck trailers in the U.S. is approximately 70%, with many trailers traveling empty or underutilized, impacting efficiency

Statistic 25

Port congestion has increased the average shipping delay by approximately 2-3 days in key U.S. freight hubs over the past year, affecting supply chain timelines

Statistic 26

The shift to just-in-time inventory management has heightened supply chain vulnerability, with over 60% of disruptions due to delays, shortages, or miscommunication

Statistic 27

The global shortage of truck chassis has led to a 15% increase in shipping costs in North America, due to delays and elevated demand

Statistic 28

Approximately 40% of freight bills are disputed or contain errors, leading to payment delays and cash flow issues

Statistic 29

The percentage of freight moved via intermodal transport in the U.S. is around 10%, used mainly for long-distance and bulk shipments

Statistic 30

Trucking industry data indicates that approximately 60% of freight shipments are moved during the third quarter of the year, due to seasonal demand patterns

Statistic 31

The overall value of the global supply chain market is projected to reach $37.7 trillion by 2027, highlighting its critical role in the global economy

Statistic 32

The average age of commercial trucks in North America is around 9 years, with many fleets operating older vehicles due to cost constraints

Statistic 33

The freight cost inflation rate in the U.S. was approximately 8% annually over the past three years, driven by fuel costs, labor, and supply chain disruptions

Statistic 34

The average waiting time for truck repairs in busy yards can be up to 4 hours, delaying schedules and increasing costs

Statistic 35

Supply chain disruptions have caused an estimated 5-10% increase in inventory holding costs for many companies, affecting profitability

Statistic 36

The average cost of compliance with regulations such as the FMCSA is estimated at around $10,000 per truck annually, impacting small fleet operators disproportionately

Statistic 37

The global market for trucking telematics is expected to reach $45 billion by 2028, reflecting rapid industry digitization

Statistic 38

The percentage of freight shipped via dedicated contract carriage is about 25%, often used by large companies for stable, predictable logistics needs

Statistic 39

The total number of freight carriers registered in the U.S. exceeds 15,000, representing the vast scale of the industry

Statistic 40

Trucking contributes around 4% to the U.S. GDP, underscoring its importance in the economy

Statistic 41

Over 10% of all freight is transported by small trucking firms with fewer than five trucks, highlighting the importance of small operators

Statistic 42

Supply chain disruptions can lead to a 15-20% increase in lead times for manufacturing, affecting global markets

Statistic 43

The global demand for heavy-duty trucks is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5% through 2030, driven by economic development and infrastructure projects

Statistic 44

More than 70% of truck manufacturing components come from global suppliers, reflecting complex global supply chains

Statistic 45

The percentage of freight moved via rail intermodal grew by 3% annually over the past decade, showing a shift toward intermodal solutions

Statistic 46

Roughly 55% of trucking companies in the U.S. reported losses in recent fiscal years due to rising costs and driver shortage, highlighting industry challenges

Statistic 47

Approximately 6% of trucks on the road are running without proper load securement, increasing accident risk

Statistic 48

About 33% of freight trucks report difficulty finding parking, which influences route planning and safety

Statistic 49

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are required for most commercial trucks, leading to increased compliance and safety

Statistic 50

Driver training programs have increased in recent years, with over 60% of trucking companies investing in new driver onboarding and safety training

Statistic 51

About 80% of trucking accidents involve human error, emphasizing the importance of safety protocols and automation

Statistic 52

The median length of haul for U.S. long-haul trucks is roughly 700 miles, influencing scheduling and driver fatigue policies

Statistic 53

The average insurance premium for trucking companies has risen by approximately 10% annually over the past five years, reflecting increased safety risks and claim costs

Statistic 54

The average downtime for trucking machinery due to maintenance is roughly 8 hours per month per vehicle, impacting schedule reliability

Statistic 55

The average claim cost per trucking accident is approximately $150,000, stressing the importance of safety investments

Statistic 56

The adoption of telematics in trucking fleet management has increased by over 60% in the last five years, improving route efficiency

Statistic 57

The adoption rate of GPS tracking in trucking fleets has increased to over 85%, improving route planning and security

Statistic 58

The recent implementation of AI logistics solutions has increased load optimization efficiency by over 20%, reducing costs and idle time

Statistic 59

The use of drones for last-mile delivery is projected to increase in urban areas, expected to account for about 10% of deliveries by 2030, improving speed and reducing congestion

Statistic 60

The implementation of blockchain technology in supply chain management has increased transparency and reduced documentation errors by over 25%, according to recent industry reports

Statistic 61

Trucking companies using advanced analytics report a 15% improvement in route planning accuracy, leading to reduced fuel consumption and delivery times

Statistic 62

Over 55% of freight shipments in North America are managed using digital freight brokerage platforms, increasing efficiency and transparency

Statistic 63

The adoption of predictive maintenance technologies in trucking fleets has reduced breakdowns by approximately 30%, saving costs and increasing uptime

Statistic 64

The logistics industry is increasingly adopting cloud-based solutions, with over 75% of trucking companies implementing some form of cloud technology for operations management

Statistic 65

Approximately 60% of supply chain professionals see real-time tracking technology as essential for future logistics operations, citing improved efficiency and transparency

Statistic 66

The use of RFID technology in trucking has increased by 40% over the last three years, aiding in asset management and shipment tracking

Statistic 67

The adoption of automated inventory management solutions has increased supply chain accuracy rates to over 98%, reducing errors significantly

Statistic 68

Inventory turnover rates have increased by approximately 10% in the last five years due to improved supply chain visibility and technology

Statistic 69

The adoption of AI-driven demand forecasting tools has increased operational planning accuracy by over 25%, reducing waste and improving service levels

Statistic 70

There are about 3.5 million truck drivers in the U.S.

Statistic 71

The average age of truck drivers is over 55 years old

Statistic 72

The trucking industry faces a driver shortage of approximately 80,000 drivers, expected to increase to 160,000 by 2030

Statistic 73

The driver retention rate in trucking is about 50%, with high turnover due to work-life balance and compensation issues

Statistic 74

Driver unemployment rate in the industry is less than 4%, indicating high employment demand

Statistic 75

Over 35% of the total cost of trucking operations is attributed to driver wages and benefits, highlighting labor as the major expense

Statistic 76

Nearly 40% of freight companies report difficulties in recruiting qualified drivers, which affects operational capacity and growth

Statistic 77

Driver turnover rate in the trucking industry is around 90% annually, indicating high volatility and hiring costs

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Key Highlights

The trucking industry accounts for approximately 70% of all freight moved in the United States
There are about 3.5 million truck drivers in the U.S.
The average age of truck drivers is over 55 years old
The trucking industry is responsible for transporting over 10 billion tons of goods annually in the U.S.
The average trailer on the road in the U.S. is approximately 53 feet long
The average cost of a gallon of diesel fuel in the U.S. has ranged from $2 to over $5 in recent years, impacting operational costs
The trucking industry faces a driver shortage of approximately 80,000 drivers, expected to increase to 160,000 by 2030
About 90% of goods shipped in the U.S. are moved via truck at some point in their supply chain
The U.S. trucking industry generates roughly $791 billion annually in revenue
The average freight charge per mile in North America is approximately $2.55, variety depending on cargo type
Approximately 6% of trucks on the road are running without proper load securement, increasing accident risk
The average speed of freight trucks in congested areas can drop below 20 mph, affecting delivery times
About 33% of freight trucks report difficulty finding parking, which influences route planning and safety

Did you know that while the U.S. trucking industry moves a staggering 70% of all freight—transporting over 10 billion tons annually with a fleet averaging nearly 9 years old—its future is challenged by an aging driver workforce over 55 years old, a growing driver shortage expected to hit 160,000 by 2030, and a high turnover rate of around 90%, all amidst rising costs and a push towards automation and sustainability.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Fuel efficiency improvements have resulted in a reduction of approximately 10% in fuel consumption over the past decade for commercial trucks
More than 50% of trucking companies plan to increase their investment in green and renewable energy initiatives within their fleets by 2025, to reduce emissions
The environmental impact of trucking accounts for roughly 25% of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions globally, driving investments in cleaner tech
The adoption of electric commercial trucks in the U.S. is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 20% through 2030, helping to reduce carbon footprints
The percentage of dual-mode trucks (road and rail) in the U.S. is less than 2%, but they are critical for specific cargo types, enhancing freight flexibility
The average age of trucks in Europe is approximately 7 years, comparable to North American fleets, with increasing emphasis on environmental standards
The majority of trucking companies are adopting sustainability initiatives, with over 50% planning to electrify parts of their fleets by 2025
The percentage of goods transported via air freight remains below 1% of total freight, but its value is approximately 35%, indicating high value per weight or unit shipped
The trucking industry's carbon emissions are expected to decrease by 20% by 2030 due to increased efficiency and clean energy adoption

Environmental Impact and Sustainability Interpretation

As the trucking industry accelerates toward greener horizons with a 10% fuel efficiency boost, a burgeoning shift to electric and renewable technologies promises to slash emissions by 20% by 2030, yet the paradox remains: critical dual-mode trucks and high-value air freight embody a complex dance between innovation, environmental responsibility, and logistical necessity.

Industry Overview and Economic Impact

The trucking industry accounts for approximately 70% of all freight moved in the United States
The trucking industry is responsible for transporting over 10 billion tons of goods annually in the U.S.
The average trailer on the road in the U.S. is approximately 53 feet long
The average cost of a gallon of diesel fuel in the U.S. has ranged from $2 to over $5 in recent years, impacting operational costs
About 90% of goods shipped in the U.S. are moved via truck at some point in their supply chain
The U.S. trucking industry generates roughly $791 billion annually in revenue
The average freight charge per mile in North America is approximately $2.55, variety depending on cargo type
The average speed of freight trucks in congested areas can drop below 20 mph, affecting delivery times
The global logistics market is expected to reach $12.68 trillion by 2027, driven by supply chain growth
The average turnaround time for a freight shipment is around 16–20 days, depending on distance and mode
Over 65% of trucking companies operate with fewer than five trucks, indicating a high prevalence of small fleet operators
Autonomous trucks are projected to reduce logistics costs by up to 45% in the next decade, though adoption is still in early stages
The majority of freight disruptions are caused by driver shortages, equipment failures, and traffic congestion, collectively accounting for over 70% of delays
The average life span of a commercial truck is approximately 12 years, after which maintenance and operational costs tend to escalate
The occupancy rate of truck trailers in the U.S. is approximately 70%, with many trailers traveling empty or underutilized, impacting efficiency
Port congestion has increased the average shipping delay by approximately 2-3 days in key U.S. freight hubs over the past year, affecting supply chain timelines
The shift to just-in-time inventory management has heightened supply chain vulnerability, with over 60% of disruptions due to delays, shortages, or miscommunication
The global shortage of truck chassis has led to a 15% increase in shipping costs in North America, due to delays and elevated demand
Approximately 40% of freight bills are disputed or contain errors, leading to payment delays and cash flow issues
The percentage of freight moved via intermodal transport in the U.S. is around 10%, used mainly for long-distance and bulk shipments
Trucking industry data indicates that approximately 60% of freight shipments are moved during the third quarter of the year, due to seasonal demand patterns
The overall value of the global supply chain market is projected to reach $37.7 trillion by 2027, highlighting its critical role in the global economy
The average age of commercial trucks in North America is around 9 years, with many fleets operating older vehicles due to cost constraints
The freight cost inflation rate in the U.S. was approximately 8% annually over the past three years, driven by fuel costs, labor, and supply chain disruptions
The average waiting time for truck repairs in busy yards can be up to 4 hours, delaying schedules and increasing costs
Supply chain disruptions have caused an estimated 5-10% increase in inventory holding costs for many companies, affecting profitability
The average cost of compliance with regulations such as the FMCSA is estimated at around $10,000 per truck annually, impacting small fleet operators disproportionately
The global market for trucking telematics is expected to reach $45 billion by 2028, reflecting rapid industry digitization
The percentage of freight shipped via dedicated contract carriage is about 25%, often used by large companies for stable, predictable logistics needs
The total number of freight carriers registered in the U.S. exceeds 15,000, representing the vast scale of the industry
Trucking contributes around 4% to the U.S. GDP, underscoring its importance in the economy
Over 10% of all freight is transported by small trucking firms with fewer than five trucks, highlighting the importance of small operators
Supply chain disruptions can lead to a 15-20% increase in lead times for manufacturing, affecting global markets
The global demand for heavy-duty trucks is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5% through 2030, driven by economic development and infrastructure projects
More than 70% of truck manufacturing components come from global suppliers, reflecting complex global supply chains
The percentage of freight moved via rail intermodal grew by 3% annually over the past decade, showing a shift toward intermodal solutions
Roughly 55% of trucking companies in the U.S. reported losses in recent fiscal years due to rising costs and driver shortage, highlighting industry challenges

Industry Overview and Economic Impact Interpretation

With over 70% of U.S. freight traversing the highways, the trucking industry is not just moving goods but also the economy—despite challenges like driver shortages, costly regulation compliance, and underutilized trailers, its resilience remains vital as automation and global demand drive the future of supply chain logistics.

Safety, Claims, and Risk Management

Approximately 6% of trucks on the road are running without proper load securement, increasing accident risk
About 33% of freight trucks report difficulty finding parking, which influences route planning and safety
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are required for most commercial trucks, leading to increased compliance and safety
Driver training programs have increased in recent years, with over 60% of trucking companies investing in new driver onboarding and safety training
About 80% of trucking accidents involve human error, emphasizing the importance of safety protocols and automation
The median length of haul for U.S. long-haul trucks is roughly 700 miles, influencing scheduling and driver fatigue policies
The average insurance premium for trucking companies has risen by approximately 10% annually over the past five years, reflecting increased safety risks and claim costs
The average downtime for trucking machinery due to maintenance is roughly 8 hours per month per vehicle, impacting schedule reliability
The average claim cost per trucking accident is approximately $150,000, stressing the importance of safety investments

Safety, Claims, and Risk Management Interpretation

While advancing compliance tools like ELDs and increased driver training enhance safety, the persistence of unsecured loads, parking shortages, and human error underscore that the trucking industry still faces significant challenges in balancing efficiency and safety.

Technological Advancements and Innovation

The adoption of telematics in trucking fleet management has increased by over 60% in the last five years, improving route efficiency
The adoption rate of GPS tracking in trucking fleets has increased to over 85%, improving route planning and security
The recent implementation of AI logistics solutions has increased load optimization efficiency by over 20%, reducing costs and idle time
The use of drones for last-mile delivery is projected to increase in urban areas, expected to account for about 10% of deliveries by 2030, improving speed and reducing congestion
The implementation of blockchain technology in supply chain management has increased transparency and reduced documentation errors by over 25%, according to recent industry reports
Trucking companies using advanced analytics report a 15% improvement in route planning accuracy, leading to reduced fuel consumption and delivery times
Over 55% of freight shipments in North America are managed using digital freight brokerage platforms, increasing efficiency and transparency
The adoption of predictive maintenance technologies in trucking fleets has reduced breakdowns by approximately 30%, saving costs and increasing uptime
The logistics industry is increasingly adopting cloud-based solutions, with over 75% of trucking companies implementing some form of cloud technology for operations management
Approximately 60% of supply chain professionals see real-time tracking technology as essential for future logistics operations, citing improved efficiency and transparency
The use of RFID technology in trucking has increased by 40% over the last three years, aiding in asset management and shipment tracking
The adoption of automated inventory management solutions has increased supply chain accuracy rates to over 98%, reducing errors significantly
Inventory turnover rates have increased by approximately 10% in the last five years due to improved supply chain visibility and technology
The adoption of AI-driven demand forecasting tools has increased operational planning accuracy by over 25%, reducing waste and improving service levels

Technological Advancements and Innovation Interpretation

The rapid digital transformation in trucking—from GPS tracking and AI-driven logistics to drones and blockchain—has not only turbocharged efficiency and transparency but also underscores that in the modern supply chain, staying offline isn’t just outdated, it’s costly.

Workforce Demographics and Labor Statistics

There are about 3.5 million truck drivers in the U.S.
The average age of truck drivers is over 55 years old
The trucking industry faces a driver shortage of approximately 80,000 drivers, expected to increase to 160,000 by 2030
The driver retention rate in trucking is about 50%, with high turnover due to work-life balance and compensation issues
Driver unemployment rate in the industry is less than 4%, indicating high employment demand
Over 35% of the total cost of trucking operations is attributed to driver wages and benefits, highlighting labor as the major expense
Nearly 40% of freight companies report difficulties in recruiting qualified drivers, which affects operational capacity and growth
Driver turnover rate in the trucking industry is around 90% annually, indicating high volatility and hiring costs

Workforce Demographics and Labor Statistics Interpretation

With an aging driver fleet, soaring turnover, and a widening shortage by 2030, the trucking industry is caught in a perilous freight cycle—fueling a high-stakes race to attract and retain drivers before the wheels of transportation grind to a halt.