GITNUXREPORT 2025

Truck Industry Statistics

Trucking industry valued at $2.7 trillion with workforce and technology challenges.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The median annual wage for truck drivers in the U.S. is around $47,000

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The average pay per mile for truck drivers in the U.S. is approximately $1.70, which varies greatly depending on region and company

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New regulations aiming to reduce emissions are expected to increase trucking costs by 10-15% over the next decade

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Approximately 70% of all trucking-related carbon emissions come from Class 8 trucks

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The adoption of alternative fuels in trucking, such as LNG and CNG, is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 18% until 2030

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The number of hybrid and electric trucks registered globally increased by over 150% between 2020 and 2023, indicating fast adoption rates

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The average age of trucks disposed of in North America is approximately 12 years, linked to technological upgrades

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The US transportation sector accounts for about 29% of all greenhouse gas emissions, with trucking being a significant contributor

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Approximately 35% of trucking companies in the US have adopted green or sustainable practices, such as alternative fuels or routing efficiencies

Statistic 10

The percentage of emissions reductions feasible through electric trucks in the next decade is estimated at up to 30%, depending on grid decarbonization

Statistic 11

Approximately 30% of trucking companies are expected to upgrade to electric or hybrid fleets within the next five years, driven by environmental regulations and cost savings

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Over 70% of freight in the U.S. is carried by trucks

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The average trucking fleet in North America operates approximately 12 trucks

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Trucking accounts for roughly 80% of the freight transportation in Europe

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The average fuel efficiency of Class 8 trucks in the U.S. is about 6.5 miles per gallon

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The average lifespan of a commercial truck is approximately 15 years

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Autonomous trucks are projected to make up 25% of the trucking fleet by 2030

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In the US, the trucking industry moves over 10.4 billion tons of freight annually

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The average detention time for trucks at U.S. ports exceeds 4 hours, adding to delivery delays

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The global demand for freight transportation is projected to grow by 75% by 2050, mostly driven by developing economies

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The average load capacity of a typical semi-truck is about 20-30 tons

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The intermodal freight transport sector accounts for about 15% of U.S. freight volume

Statistic 23

The use of telematics in trucking has increased by over 60% in the last five years, improving efficiency and safety

Statistic 24

The average turnaround time for truck deliveries is approximately 1.8 days in the U.S., impacting supply chain efficiency

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The average U.S. long-haul truck consumes approximately 25,000 gallons of diesel annually

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The freight shipping industry suffers losses estimated at $50 billion annually due to driver shortages and logistics inefficiencies

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The average accident rate per million miles traveled by trucks in the US has decreased by 15% over the last decade, indicating safety improvements

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The average trucking fuel price increased by over 40% from 2020 to 2022, significantly affecting operating costs

Statistic 29

The U.S. government has invested over $1 billion in developing autonomous trucking corridors by 2024, aiming to improve freight efficiency

Statistic 30

About 60% of trucking companies utilize electronic logging devices (ELDs) to ensure compliance with hours-of-service regulations

Statistic 31

In 2023, over 95% of trucking companies reported adopting some form of digital technologies to optimize operations

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The maximum permissible weight limit for trucks in the U.S. is generally 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight

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The global freight transportation market size is expected to reach $12.5 trillion by 2030, driven by e-commerce and global trade

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The average annual growth rate of the trucking industry in the Asia-Pacific region is approximately 5%, reflecting rapid industrialization

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The share of overweight trucks (exceeding standard weight limits) is around 2-3% of all registered trucks globally, mainly due to cargo overloading

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The majority of freight transported by trucks in the U.S. is on highways, with about 80% of freight miles occurring on interstate roads

Statistic 37

The use of GPS and route optimization tools has reduced average delivery times by approximately 25% in trucking operations

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The average cost of truck repairs per year for a fleet of 10 trucks is about $8,000 to $10,000 per truck, depending on usage

Statistic 39

The transition to digital freight matching platforms has grown by 45% annually since 2018, improving efficiency and load matching

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Approximately 20% of trucks are equipped with advanced safety features such as collision avoidance and lane departure warning systems

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The global trucking industry is valued at approximately $2.7 trillion as of 2023

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The U.S. trucking industry generates around $700 billion in revenue annually

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In 2022, approximately 350,000 new trucks were sold in the United States

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The global electric truck market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20% between 2023 and 2030

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The number of registered heavy-duty trucks in China exceeded 10 million in 2022

Statistic 46

The average cost of commercial insurance for trucking companies in the US is approximately $8,500 annually per truck

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The average truck stop includes about 50 amenities, including showers, restaurants, and repair services, improving driver comfort

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The global logistics automation market, which heavily impacts trucking, is expected to reach $45 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 12%

Statistic 49

Investment in trucking technology startups reached $1.2 billion in 2022, reflecting industry modernization trends

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The average gross revenue for small trucking firms in the U.S. is approximately $1 million annually, depending on fleet size

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The size of the North American trucking fleet surpassed 4 million trucks in 2022, supporting a $700 billion industry

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The truck manufacturing industry estimates a global output of over 3 million trucks annually, driven by demand in emerging markets

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The global cold chain logistics market, critical for transporting perishable goods via trucks, is valued at over $250 billion and expected to grow rapidly

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The trucking industry’s contribution to national GDP in the U.S. is about 5%, indicating its economic significance

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The United States has over 3.5 million truck drivers employed in the industry

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The average age of a truck driver in the U.S. is 46 years old

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The trucking industry employs over 7 million people worldwide

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Approximately 90% of trucking companies in the US are small businesses with fewer than 20 trucks

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The global trucking industry faces a shortage of about 4 million drivers worldwide by 2030, primarily due to aging workforce and lack of new entrants

Statistic 60

Approximately 40% of trucking companies report difficulty in recruiting young drivers, highlighting workforce challenges

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The share of female truck drivers in North America is around 7-9%, with efforts underway to increase diversity

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The driver turnover rate in the U.S. trucking industry can exceed 90% annually for larger fleets, indicating high workforce churn

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The most common cause of truck accidents in the US is driver fatigue, accounting for roughly 13-15% of crashes

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The share of Canadian truck drivers in the freight industry is approximately 250,000, with a growing demand for skilled drivers

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Driver training programs in the trucking industry have expanded by over 30% in recent years to address workforce shortages

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The average driver working hours in the trucking industry are around 50-60 hours per week, which is regulated to prevent fatigue

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Key Highlights

The global trucking industry is valued at approximately $2.7 trillion as of 2023
The United States has over 3.5 million truck drivers employed in the industry
The average age of a truck driver in the U.S. is 46 years old
Over 70% of freight in the U.S. is carried by trucks
The average trucking fleet in North America operates approximately 12 trucks
The U.S. trucking industry generates around $700 billion in revenue annually
Trucking accounts for roughly 80% of the freight transportation in Europe
In 2022, approximately 350,000 new trucks were sold in the United States
The average fuel efficiency of Class 8 trucks in the U.S. is about 6.5 miles per gallon
The global electric truck market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20% between 2023 and 2030
The average lifespan of a commercial truck is approximately 15 years
New regulations aiming to reduce emissions are expected to increase trucking costs by 10-15% over the next decade
Autonomous trucks are projected to make up 25% of the trucking fleet by 2030

The trucking industry, a $2.7 trillion global powerhouse moving over 70% of freight and employing millions worldwide, is rapidly transforming through innovations in sustainability, automation, and workforce dynamics.

Compensation and Industry Trends

The median annual wage for truck drivers in the U.S. is around $47,000
The average pay per mile for truck drivers in the U.S. is approximately $1.70, which varies greatly depending on region and company

Compensation and Industry Trends Interpretation

While the median annual wage of about $47,000 suggests truck drivers are the backbone of our economy, the $1.70 per mile average reveals a road of disparities—highlighting both the essential nature and economic challenges of America’s trucking industry.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

New regulations aiming to reduce emissions are expected to increase trucking costs by 10-15% over the next decade
Approximately 70% of all trucking-related carbon emissions come from Class 8 trucks
The adoption of alternative fuels in trucking, such as LNG and CNG, is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 18% until 2030
The number of hybrid and electric trucks registered globally increased by over 150% between 2020 and 2023, indicating fast adoption rates
The average age of trucks disposed of in North America is approximately 12 years, linked to technological upgrades
The US transportation sector accounts for about 29% of all greenhouse gas emissions, with trucking being a significant contributor
Approximately 35% of trucking companies in the US have adopted green or sustainable practices, such as alternative fuels or routing efficiencies
The percentage of emissions reductions feasible through electric trucks in the next decade is estimated at up to 30%, depending on grid decarbonization
Approximately 30% of trucking companies are expected to upgrade to electric or hybrid fleets within the next five years, driven by environmental regulations and cost savings

Environmental Impact and Sustainability Interpretation

As the trucking industry grapples with surging costs from new emissions regulations, a rapidly accelerating shift toward greener, cleaner, and more efficient fleets—led by innovative alternative fuels and electric technology—suggests that in just a decade, trucks may finally get the eco-friendly overhaul commuters and climate activists alike have been waiting for, albeit at a hefty price tag on the horizon.

Freight Transportation and Logistics

Over 70% of freight in the U.S. is carried by trucks
The average trucking fleet in North America operates approximately 12 trucks
Trucking accounts for roughly 80% of the freight transportation in Europe
The average fuel efficiency of Class 8 trucks in the U.S. is about 6.5 miles per gallon
The average lifespan of a commercial truck is approximately 15 years
Autonomous trucks are projected to make up 25% of the trucking fleet by 2030
In the US, the trucking industry moves over 10.4 billion tons of freight annually
The average detention time for trucks at U.S. ports exceeds 4 hours, adding to delivery delays
The global demand for freight transportation is projected to grow by 75% by 2050, mostly driven by developing economies
The average load capacity of a typical semi-truck is about 20-30 tons
The intermodal freight transport sector accounts for about 15% of U.S. freight volume
The use of telematics in trucking has increased by over 60% in the last five years, improving efficiency and safety
The average turnaround time for truck deliveries is approximately 1.8 days in the U.S., impacting supply chain efficiency
The average U.S. long-haul truck consumes approximately 25,000 gallons of diesel annually
The freight shipping industry suffers losses estimated at $50 billion annually due to driver shortages and logistics inefficiencies
The average accident rate per million miles traveled by trucks in the US has decreased by 15% over the last decade, indicating safety improvements
The average trucking fuel price increased by over 40% from 2020 to 2022, significantly affecting operating costs
The U.S. government has invested over $1 billion in developing autonomous trucking corridors by 2024, aiming to improve freight efficiency
About 60% of trucking companies utilize electronic logging devices (ELDs) to ensure compliance with hours-of-service regulations
In 2023, over 95% of trucking companies reported adopting some form of digital technologies to optimize operations
The maximum permissible weight limit for trucks in the U.S. is generally 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight
The global freight transportation market size is expected to reach $12.5 trillion by 2030, driven by e-commerce and global trade
The average annual growth rate of the trucking industry in the Asia-Pacific region is approximately 5%, reflecting rapid industrialization
The share of overweight trucks (exceeding standard weight limits) is around 2-3% of all registered trucks globally, mainly due to cargo overloading
The majority of freight transported by trucks in the U.S. is on highways, with about 80% of freight miles occurring on interstate roads
The use of GPS and route optimization tools has reduced average delivery times by approximately 25% in trucking operations
The average cost of truck repairs per year for a fleet of 10 trucks is about $8,000 to $10,000 per truck, depending on usage
The transition to digital freight matching platforms has grown by 45% annually since 2018, improving efficiency and load matching
Approximately 20% of trucks are equipped with advanced safety features such as collision avoidance and lane departure warning systems

Freight Transportation and Logistics Interpretation

With over 70% of U.S. freight reliant on trucks that average just 6.5 miles per gallon and are nearing a 15-year lifespan, the industry's push towards autonomous trucks and digital efficiencies by 2030 aims to rev up this vital yet environmentally and logistically taxed engine—proving that even in freight, innovation is the best cargo.

Industry Market Size and Value

The global trucking industry is valued at approximately $2.7 trillion as of 2023
The U.S. trucking industry generates around $700 billion in revenue annually
In 2022, approximately 350,000 new trucks were sold in the United States
The global electric truck market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20% between 2023 and 2030
The number of registered heavy-duty trucks in China exceeded 10 million in 2022
The average cost of commercial insurance for trucking companies in the US is approximately $8,500 annually per truck
The average truck stop includes about 50 amenities, including showers, restaurants, and repair services, improving driver comfort
The global logistics automation market, which heavily impacts trucking, is expected to reach $45 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 12%
Investment in trucking technology startups reached $1.2 billion in 2022, reflecting industry modernization trends
The average gross revenue for small trucking firms in the U.S. is approximately $1 million annually, depending on fleet size
The size of the North American trucking fleet surpassed 4 million trucks in 2022, supporting a $700 billion industry
The truck manufacturing industry estimates a global output of over 3 million trucks annually, driven by demand in emerging markets
The global cold chain logistics market, critical for transporting perishable goods via trucks, is valued at over $250 billion and expected to grow rapidly
The trucking industry’s contribution to national GDP in the U.S. is about 5%, indicating its economic significance

Industry Market Size and Value Interpretation

With a $2.7 trillion valuation and over 4 million trucks supporting a 5% slice of the U.S. GDP, the trucking industry not only fuels our economy but is also accelerating towards electrification and automation, proving that behind every mile driven is a story of innovation, investment, and indispensable logistics.

Workforce Demographics and Employment

The United States has over 3.5 million truck drivers employed in the industry
The average age of a truck driver in the U.S. is 46 years old
The trucking industry employs over 7 million people worldwide
Approximately 90% of trucking companies in the US are small businesses with fewer than 20 trucks
The global trucking industry faces a shortage of about 4 million drivers worldwide by 2030, primarily due to aging workforce and lack of new entrants
Approximately 40% of trucking companies report difficulty in recruiting young drivers, highlighting workforce challenges
The share of female truck drivers in North America is around 7-9%, with efforts underway to increase diversity
The driver turnover rate in the U.S. trucking industry can exceed 90% annually for larger fleets, indicating high workforce churn
The most common cause of truck accidents in the US is driver fatigue, accounting for roughly 13-15% of crashes
The share of Canadian truck drivers in the freight industry is approximately 250,000, with a growing demand for skilled drivers
Driver training programs in the trucking industry have expanded by over 30% in recent years to address workforce shortages
The average driver working hours in the trucking industry are around 50-60 hours per week, which is regulated to prevent fatigue

Workforce Demographics and Employment Interpretation

With approximately 3.5 million U.S. truck drivers averaging 46 years old and a looming global shortage of 4 million by 2030, the trucking industry faces a critical crossroads—balancing high turnover rates, recruitment struggles among young and female drivers, and the relentless challenge of driver fatigue threatening road safety.