GITNUXREPORT 2026

Truck Driving Industry Statistics

The trucking industry faces a persistent driver shortage despite being essential to the economy.

Rajesh Patel

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

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

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Statistic 1

There is a shortage of 80,000 truck drivers in the U.S. as of 2023.

Statistic 2

1.9 million new drivers needed by 2030 to replace retirees.

Statistic 3

Only 6.5% of CDL applicants pass on first try, limiting supply.

Statistic 4

50,000 drivers aged out annually, with slow replacement rates.

Statistic 5

Driver shortage costs economy $47.4 billion yearly in lost productivity.

Statistic 6

78% of shippers report delays due to driver shortages in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 7

Training academies graduated 45,000 new drivers in 2023, short of need.

Statistic 8

65% of carriers cite driver shortage as top operational challenge.

Statistic 9

Rural areas face 20% higher shortage rates than urban.

Statistic 10

Turnover costs carriers $8,000 per driver replacement in 2023.

Statistic 11

3.2 million total drivers needed by 2026 per ATA projections.

Statistic 12

HOS rules deter 25% of potential young drivers from entering.

Statistic 13

Immigrant visas fill only 10% of shortage despite demand.

Statistic 14

Women could fill 25% of shortage if recruitment improves.

Statistic 15

Average driver age rose to 47 in 2023 from 46 in 2020.

Statistic 16

40% of drivers plan retirement within 5 years per 2023 poll.

Statistic 17

CDL holders total 4.1 million, but only 3.55 million active.

Statistic 18

Regional shortages worst in Midwest, 30% above national average.

Statistic 19

Pay incentives reduced shortage by 10% in adopting fleets.

Statistic 20

15,000 drivers sidelined by medical disqualifications yearly.

Statistic 21

Gig economy platforms onboarded 20,000 flex drivers in 2023.

Statistic 22

Black drivers represent 12% of workforce, recruitment up 5%.

Statistic 23

ELD mandate increased shortage perception by 15% among drivers.

Statistic 24

Apprenticeship programs trained 10,000 youths in 2023.

Statistic 25

The trucking industry contributes $940 billion to U.S. GDP annually as of 2023.

Statistic 26

Trucking moves 72.5% of the nation's freight by value, totaling $11 trillion in 2022.

Statistic 27

Freight revenue for trucking reached $1.05 trillion in 2023, up 5% from 2022.

Statistic 28

The industry supports 26 million jobs across the supply chain in 2023.

Statistic 29

Average freight tonnage hauled by trucks was 11.2 billion tons in 2022.

Statistic 30

Operating costs per mile averaged $2.35 for truckload carriers in 2023.

Statistic 31

Fuel expenses account for 28% of total trucking operating costs in 2023.

Statistic 32

Trucking pays $68.5 billion in federal and state highway taxes annually.

Statistic 33

E-commerce drove a 15% increase in last-mile delivery spending to $150 billion in 2023.

Statistic 34

Truckload linehaul rates averaged $2.10 per mile in Q4 2023.

Statistic 35

Driver wages rose 9.2% year-over-year to $0.67 per mile in 2023.

Statistic 36

Insurance costs for carriers averaged $12,000 per truck annually in 2023.

Statistic 37

Maintenance costs per mile hit $0.18 in 2023 due to parts shortages.

Statistic 38

Empty miles decreased to 16.7% of total miles in 2023, saving $20 billion.

Statistic 39

Trucking exports supported $250 billion in international trade in 2022.

Statistic 40

LTL revenue grew to $90 billion in 2023, 8% YoY increase.

Statistic 41

Deregulation since 1980 boosted industry productivity by 60% per truck.

Statistic 42

Pandemic recovery added $100 billion to trucking revenue in 2022.

Statistic 43

Accessorial charges generated $50 billion in additional revenue in 2023.

Statistic 44

Repair costs averaged $18,000 per breakdown for Class 8 trucks in 2023.

Statistic 45

Tolls cost truckers $60 billion annually across U.S. highways.

Statistic 46

Capacity utilization improved to 98% in peak seasons of 2023.

Statistic 47

Broker margins averaged 15% on $800 billion spot market volume in 2023.

Statistic 48

Regulatory compliance costs $15 billion yearly for the industry.

Statistic 49

In 2023, the U.S. trucking industry employed 3.55 million heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, representing about 8.2% of all transportation and material moving occupations.

Statistic 50

As of 2022, truck transportation accounted for 1.9 million jobs in for-hire trucking companies alone, excluding owner-operators.

Statistic 51

Women make up only 8.1% of the truck driving workforce in the U.S., totaling around 287,000 female drivers in 2023.

Statistic 52

The median age of U.S. truck drivers is 46 years old, with 42% of drivers aged 55 or older as of 2023.

Statistic 53

Entry-level truck drivers earned a median wage of $48,310 annually in 2023, while experienced drivers averaged $62,000.

Statistic 54

Unionized truck drivers represent less than 20% of the workforce, primarily in less-than-truckload (LTL) segments.

Statistic 55

Over 70% of U.S. truck drivers are classified as company drivers, with 30% operating as owner-operators in 2022.

Statistic 56

The trucking industry added 15,000 new jobs in the fourth quarter of 2023, a 0.4% increase quarter-over-quarter.

Statistic 57

Hispanic or Latino truck drivers comprise 18.5% of the total workforce, approximately 657,000 individuals in 2023.

Statistic 58

Full-time truck drivers work an average of 3,000 hours per year, 20% more than the national average for all occupations.

Statistic 59

In 2023, 12% of truck drivers held associate degrees, while 5% had bachelor's degrees or higher.

Statistic 60

The turnover rate for long-haul truck drivers reached 94% annualized in 2022, highest among industry segments.

Statistic 61

Short-haul drivers had a turnover rate of 44% in 2023, compared to 90%+ for over-the-road drivers.

Statistic 62

65% of truck drivers report job satisfaction levels above 7/10, citing independence as a key factor in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 63

Veteran employment in trucking reached 250,000 drivers in 2023, or 7% of the workforce.

Statistic 64

The industry trained 50,000 new CDL holders through company-sponsored programs in 2023.

Statistic 65

Part-time truck driving jobs grew by 8% year-over-year to 150,000 positions in 2023.

Statistic 66

22% of truck drivers are self-employed owner-operators, generating $100 billion in revenue annually.

Statistic 67

Midwest region employs 28% of all U.S. truck drivers, totaling nearly 1 million in 2023.

Statistic 68

Night shift truck drivers earn 15% premium pay, averaging $55,000 annually in 2023.

Statistic 69

9.5% of truck drivers are under 25 years old, indicating a youth influx of 10,000 annually.

Statistic 70

LTL carriers employ 450,000 drivers, 24% of the total workforce in 2023.

Statistic 71

Average tenure for truck drivers is 5.2 years, with 30% staying over 10 years.

Statistic 72

75,000 truck drivers retired in 2023, exacerbating workforce aging issues.

Statistic 73

Team drivers, numbering 200,000, cover 60% of long-haul miles in 2023.

Statistic 74

Benefits coverage includes health insurance for 85% of company drivers in 2023.

Statistic 75

Overtime pay constitutes 25% of total earnings for 40% of drivers.

Statistic 76

1.2 million truck drivers operate in intrastate commerce exclusively in 2023.

Statistic 77

Foreign-born drivers make up 15% of the workforce, or 532,500 individuals.

Statistic 78

Job openings for truck drivers stood at 240,000 unfilled positions in Q4 2023.

Statistic 79

FMCSA hours-of-service rules limit 20% of potential driving time.

Statistic 80

ELD mandate compliance reached 98% of fleets by end of 2023.

Statistic 81

CSA scores affect 85% of carrier safety ratings in 2023.

Statistic 82

Out-of-service rates for brakes dropped to 22% in 2023 inspections.

Statistic 83

IFTA fuel tax reporting processed 50 million quarterly filings in 2023.

Statistic 84

Drug testing positive rates for truck drivers at 1.8% in 2023.

Statistic 85

Entry-level driver training (ELDT) mandated for 100,000 new CDLs in 2023.

Statistic 86

Speed limiters proposed for trucks under 65 mph on highways.

Statistic 87

Cargo securement rules enforced in 25% of roadside inspections.

Statistic 88

Medical certification renewals totaled 2.5 million in 2023.

Statistic 89

IRP apportioned plates issued to 750,000 trucks in 2023.

Statistic 90

Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) fees collected $30 million in 2023.

Statistic 91

34-hour restart option used by 60% of long-haul drivers weekly.

Statistic 92

Pre-employment screening program (PSP) accessed 1 million times in 2023.

Statistic 93

Hazmat endorsements require 500,000 background checks annually.

Statistic 94

Oversize/overweight permits issued 10 million times in 2023.

Statistic 95

Drug & alcohol clearinghouse queries hit 15 million in 2023.

Statistic 96

State-specific logbook audits conducted 50,000 times in 2023.

Statistic 97

FMCSA electronic logging device exemptions granted to 5,000 carriers.

Statistic 98

Driver qualification files reviewed in 30% of compliance audits.

Statistic 99

Short-haul exemption under 150 air-miles used by 40% of drivers.

Statistic 100

Universal Life Saving Axle (ULSA) weight limits increased to 88,000 lbs in some states.

Statistic 101

CVSA International Roadcheck inspected 40,000 trucks over 3 days in 2023.

Statistic 102

Entry control point (ECP) stops numbered 20,000 in border operations.

Statistic 103

16-hour driving window activated 1.2 million times under adverse conditions.

Statistic 104

In 2022, large truck crashes resulted in 5,887 fatalities, a 3% increase from 2021.

Statistic 105

72% of large truck crash fatalities in 2022 involved passenger vehicles.

Statistic 106

Truck drivers were at fault in only 10% of fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2022.

Statistic 107

There were 471,000 large truck crashes in 2022, injuring 107,000 people.

Statistic 108

Rollover crashes accounted for 22% of large truck occupant fatalities in 2022.

Statistic 109

Drowsy driving contributed to 13% of large truck crashes in 2022 FMCSA data.

Statistic 110

Speeding was a factor in 29% of large truck fatal crashes in 2022.

Statistic 111

4,000 truck drivers were killed in crashes in 2022, mostly in multi-vehicle incidents.

Statistic 112

Intersection-related crashes made up 45% of large truck accidents in 2022.

Statistic 113

Alcohol impairment was present in 3% of large truck drivers in fatal crashes in 2022.

Statistic 114

Rear-end crashes represent 30% of all large truck incidents, per 2022 data.

Statistic 115

ELDs reduced crash rates by 7% in fleets adopting them post-2017 mandate.

Statistic 116

Seatbelt usage among truck drivers reached 98% in fatal crashes in 2022.

Statistic 117

Cargo securement violations led to 1,500 crashes in 2022 inspections.

Statistic 118

Hours-of-service violations cited in 15% of post-crash inspections in 2022.

Statistic 119

Nighttime crashes account for 52% of large truck fatalities despite 25% of miles driven.

Statistic 120

Brake-related defects caused 29% of truck mechanical failure crashes in 2022.

Statistic 121

Distracted driving factored into 8% of large truck crashes in 2022.

Statistic 122

Urban areas saw 60% of large truck injury crashes in 2022.

Statistic 123

Jackknife accidents comprised 12% of large truck crashes in 2022.

Statistic 124

Weather-related crashes affected 5% of large truck incidents in 2022.

Statistic 125

85% of truck crash costs, totaling $91 billion, stem from property damage in 2022.

Statistic 126

CSA scores improved safety by reducing out-of-service rates by 20% in 2022.

Statistic 127

Motorcycle-truck crashes resulted in 600 fatalities in 2022.

Statistic 128

Tire blowouts caused 10,950 crashes involving large trucks in 2022.

Statistic 129

Pre-trip inspections prevented 25% of potential mechanical crashes in 2022 fleets.

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Behind the staggering numbers that keep America moving—from the 3.55 million drivers navigating our highways to the trillion-dollar economy they haul—lies a human story of grit, independence, and complex challenges shaping the backbone of our nation's supply chain.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, the U.S. trucking industry employed 3.55 million heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, representing about 8.2% of all transportation and material moving occupations.
As of 2022, truck transportation accounted for 1.9 million jobs in for-hire trucking companies alone, excluding owner-operators.
Women make up only 8.1% of the truck driving workforce in the U.S., totaling around 287,000 female drivers in 2023.
In 2022, large truck crashes resulted in 5,887 fatalities, a 3% increase from 2021.
72% of large truck crash fatalities in 2022 involved passenger vehicles.
Truck drivers were at fault in only 10% of fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2022.
The trucking industry contributes $940 billion to U.S. GDP annually as of 2023.
Trucking moves 72.5% of the nation's freight by value, totaling $11 trillion in 2022.
Freight revenue for trucking reached $1.05 trillion in 2023, up 5% from 2022.
There is a shortage of 80,000 truck drivers in the U.S. as of 2023.
1.9 million new drivers needed by 2030 to replace retirees.
Only 6.5% of CDL applicants pass on first try, limiting supply.
FMCSA hours-of-service rules limit 20% of potential driving time.
ELD mandate compliance reached 98% of fleets by end of 2023.
CSA scores affect 85% of carrier safety ratings in 2023.

The trucking industry faces a persistent driver shortage despite being essential to the economy.

Driver Shortage and Demographics

There is a shortage of 80,000 truck drivers in the U.S. as of 2023.
1.9 million new drivers needed by 2030 to replace retirees.
Only 6.5% of CDL applicants pass on first try, limiting supply.
50,000 drivers aged out annually, with slow replacement rates.
Driver shortage costs economy $47.4 billion yearly in lost productivity.
78% of shippers report delays due to driver shortages in 2023 surveys.
Training academies graduated 45,000 new drivers in 2023, short of need.
65% of carriers cite driver shortage as top operational challenge.
Rural areas face 20% higher shortage rates than urban.
Turnover costs carriers $8,000 per driver replacement in 2023.
3.2 million total drivers needed by 2026 per ATA projections.
HOS rules deter 25% of potential young drivers from entering.
Immigrant visas fill only 10% of shortage despite demand.
Women could fill 25% of shortage if recruitment improves.
Average driver age rose to 47 in 2023 from 46 in 2020.
40% of drivers plan retirement within 5 years per 2023 poll.
CDL holders total 4.1 million, but only 3.55 million active.
Regional shortages worst in Midwest, 30% above national average.
Pay incentives reduced shortage by 10% in adopting fleets.
15,000 drivers sidelined by medical disqualifications yearly.
Gig economy platforms onboarded 20,000 flex drivers in 2023.
Black drivers represent 12% of workforce, recruitment up 5%.
ELD mandate increased shortage perception by 15% among drivers.
Apprenticeship programs trained 10,000 youths in 2023.

Driver Shortage and Demographics Interpretation

The industry is hemorrhaging veteran drivers faster than it can train new ones, leaving a yawning, economy-sapping gap that pay raises and new recruits can only begin to patch, not fill.

Economic Impact Statistics

The trucking industry contributes $940 billion to U.S. GDP annually as of 2023.
Trucking moves 72.5% of the nation's freight by value, totaling $11 trillion in 2022.
Freight revenue for trucking reached $1.05 trillion in 2023, up 5% from 2022.
The industry supports 26 million jobs across the supply chain in 2023.
Average freight tonnage hauled by trucks was 11.2 billion tons in 2022.
Operating costs per mile averaged $2.35 for truckload carriers in 2023.
Fuel expenses account for 28% of total trucking operating costs in 2023.
Trucking pays $68.5 billion in federal and state highway taxes annually.
E-commerce drove a 15% increase in last-mile delivery spending to $150 billion in 2023.
Truckload linehaul rates averaged $2.10 per mile in Q4 2023.
Driver wages rose 9.2% year-over-year to $0.67 per mile in 2023.
Insurance costs for carriers averaged $12,000 per truck annually in 2023.
Maintenance costs per mile hit $0.18 in 2023 due to parts shortages.
Empty miles decreased to 16.7% of total miles in 2023, saving $20 billion.
Trucking exports supported $250 billion in international trade in 2022.
LTL revenue grew to $90 billion in 2023, 8% YoY increase.
Deregulation since 1980 boosted industry productivity by 60% per truck.
Pandemic recovery added $100 billion to trucking revenue in 2022.
Accessorial charges generated $50 billion in additional revenue in 2023.
Repair costs averaged $18,000 per breakdown for Class 8 trucks in 2023.
Tolls cost truckers $60 billion annually across U.S. highways.
Capacity utilization improved to 98% in peak seasons of 2023.
Broker margins averaged 15% on $800 billion spot market volume in 2023.
Regulatory compliance costs $15 billion yearly for the industry.

Economic Impact Statistics Interpretation

The trucking industry is the economic circulatory system of the nation, proving that while America runs on Dunkin', it absolutely *moves* on diesel, driver hustle, and a relentless stream of logistics that somehow balance razor-thin margins against trillion-dollar responsibilities.

Employment Statistics

In 2023, the U.S. trucking industry employed 3.55 million heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, representing about 8.2% of all transportation and material moving occupations.
As of 2022, truck transportation accounted for 1.9 million jobs in for-hire trucking companies alone, excluding owner-operators.
Women make up only 8.1% of the truck driving workforce in the U.S., totaling around 287,000 female drivers in 2023.
The median age of U.S. truck drivers is 46 years old, with 42% of drivers aged 55 or older as of 2023.
Entry-level truck drivers earned a median wage of $48,310 annually in 2023, while experienced drivers averaged $62,000.
Unionized truck drivers represent less than 20% of the workforce, primarily in less-than-truckload (LTL) segments.
Over 70% of U.S. truck drivers are classified as company drivers, with 30% operating as owner-operators in 2022.
The trucking industry added 15,000 new jobs in the fourth quarter of 2023, a 0.4% increase quarter-over-quarter.
Hispanic or Latino truck drivers comprise 18.5% of the total workforce, approximately 657,000 individuals in 2023.
Full-time truck drivers work an average of 3,000 hours per year, 20% more than the national average for all occupations.
In 2023, 12% of truck drivers held associate degrees, while 5% had bachelor's degrees or higher.
The turnover rate for long-haul truck drivers reached 94% annualized in 2022, highest among industry segments.
Short-haul drivers had a turnover rate of 44% in 2023, compared to 90%+ for over-the-road drivers.
65% of truck drivers report job satisfaction levels above 7/10, citing independence as a key factor in 2023 surveys.
Veteran employment in trucking reached 250,000 drivers in 2023, or 7% of the workforce.
The industry trained 50,000 new CDL holders through company-sponsored programs in 2023.
Part-time truck driving jobs grew by 8% year-over-year to 150,000 positions in 2023.
22% of truck drivers are self-employed owner-operators, generating $100 billion in revenue annually.
Midwest region employs 28% of all U.S. truck drivers, totaling nearly 1 million in 2023.
Night shift truck drivers earn 15% premium pay, averaging $55,000 annually in 2023.
9.5% of truck drivers are under 25 years old, indicating a youth influx of 10,000 annually.
LTL carriers employ 450,000 drivers, 24% of the total workforce in 2023.
Average tenure for truck drivers is 5.2 years, with 30% staying over 10 years.
75,000 truck drivers retired in 2023, exacerbating workforce aging issues.
Team drivers, numbering 200,000, cover 60% of long-haul miles in 2023.
Benefits coverage includes health insurance for 85% of company drivers in 2023.
Overtime pay constitutes 25% of total earnings for 40% of drivers.
1.2 million truck drivers operate in intrastate commerce exclusively in 2023.
Foreign-born drivers make up 15% of the workforce, or 532,500 individuals.
Job openings for truck drivers stood at 240,000 unfilled positions in Q4 2023.

Employment Statistics Interpretation

Despite a massive 94% churn rate making the industry feel like a revolving door, America's 3.55 million truck drivers—who are overwhelmingly middle-aged men working grueling hours for moderate pay—still somehow find a stubborn pride in their independence, even as 240,000 open seats beg for a new generation to take the wheel.

Regulations and Operations

FMCSA hours-of-service rules limit 20% of potential driving time.
ELD mandate compliance reached 98% of fleets by end of 2023.
CSA scores affect 85% of carrier safety ratings in 2023.
Out-of-service rates for brakes dropped to 22% in 2023 inspections.
IFTA fuel tax reporting processed 50 million quarterly filings in 2023.
Drug testing positive rates for truck drivers at 1.8% in 2023.
Entry-level driver training (ELDT) mandated for 100,000 new CDLs in 2023.
Speed limiters proposed for trucks under 65 mph on highways.
Cargo securement rules enforced in 25% of roadside inspections.
Medical certification renewals totaled 2.5 million in 2023.
IRP apportioned plates issued to 750,000 trucks in 2023.
Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) fees collected $30 million in 2023.
34-hour restart option used by 60% of long-haul drivers weekly.
Pre-employment screening program (PSP) accessed 1 million times in 2023.
Hazmat endorsements require 500,000 background checks annually.
Oversize/overweight permits issued 10 million times in 2023.
Drug & alcohol clearinghouse queries hit 15 million in 2023.
State-specific logbook audits conducted 50,000 times in 2023.
FMCSA electronic logging device exemptions granted to 5,000 carriers.
Driver qualification files reviewed in 30% of compliance audits.
Short-haul exemption under 150 air-miles used by 40% of drivers.
Universal Life Saving Axle (ULSA) weight limits increased to 88,000 lbs in some states.
CVSA International Roadcheck inspected 40,000 trucks over 3 days in 2023.
Entry control point (ECP) stops numbered 20,000 in border operations.
16-hour driving window activated 1.2 million times under adverse conditions.

Regulations and Operations Interpretation

The trucking industry is a meticulously governed ballet of high-stakes logistics, where nearly universal digital tracking keeps the wheels turning, yet the ever-watchful eyes of safety regulations ensure every brake check, drug test, and cargo strap tells a story of immense responsibility.

Safety and Accident Statistics

In 2022, large truck crashes resulted in 5,887 fatalities, a 3% increase from 2021.
72% of large truck crash fatalities in 2022 involved passenger vehicles.
Truck drivers were at fault in only 10% of fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2022.
There were 471,000 large truck crashes in 2022, injuring 107,000 people.
Rollover crashes accounted for 22% of large truck occupant fatalities in 2022.
Drowsy driving contributed to 13% of large truck crashes in 2022 FMCSA data.
Speeding was a factor in 29% of large truck fatal crashes in 2022.
4,000 truck drivers were killed in crashes in 2022, mostly in multi-vehicle incidents.
Intersection-related crashes made up 45% of large truck accidents in 2022.
Alcohol impairment was present in 3% of large truck drivers in fatal crashes in 2022.
Rear-end crashes represent 30% of all large truck incidents, per 2022 data.
ELDs reduced crash rates by 7% in fleets adopting them post-2017 mandate.
Seatbelt usage among truck drivers reached 98% in fatal crashes in 2022.
Cargo securement violations led to 1,500 crashes in 2022 inspections.
Hours-of-service violations cited in 15% of post-crash inspections in 2022.
Nighttime crashes account for 52% of large truck fatalities despite 25% of miles driven.
Brake-related defects caused 29% of truck mechanical failure crashes in 2022.
Distracted driving factored into 8% of large truck crashes in 2022.
Urban areas saw 60% of large truck injury crashes in 2022.
Jackknife accidents comprised 12% of large truck crashes in 2022.
Weather-related crashes affected 5% of large truck incidents in 2022.
85% of truck crash costs, totaling $91 billion, stem from property damage in 2022.
CSA scores improved safety by reducing out-of-service rates by 20% in 2022.
Motorcycle-truck crashes resulted in 600 fatalities in 2022.
Tire blowouts caused 10,950 crashes involving large trucks in 2022.
Pre-trip inspections prevented 25% of potential mechanical crashes in 2022 fleets.

Safety and Accident Statistics Interpretation

While truck drivers are statistically not the primary villains of the road, these numbers paint a stark picture of a high-stakes environment where passenger vehicle behavior, relentless schedules, and relentless physics converge with lethal consequences.

Sources & References

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