GITNUXREPORT 2025

Trucking Industry Statistics

Trucking industry fuels economy, faces driver shortages, adopts green and tech advances.

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 trucking industry contributed approximately $791.7 billion to the U.S. economy in 2022

Statistic 2

The trucking industry accounts for roughly 70% of all freight transportation in the U.S.

Statistic 3

The average cost of truck insurance in the U.S. is about $7,200 annually per truck

Statistic 4

Approximately 80% of freight moves by trucks within the U.S. borders

Statistic 5

The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that congestion costs the trucking industry over $60 billion annually

Statistic 6

The average cost per mile for trucking operations has increased by approximately 20% from 2019 to 2022, due to fuel and equipment costs

Statistic 7

Trucking companies spend approximately 10-15% of their operating costs on maintenance and repairs

Statistic 8

The trucking industry’s contribution to job creation in the 50 states exceeds 7 million jobs directly and indirectly

Statistic 9

The cost of driver training and licensing in the U.S. averages around $3,000 to $7,000 per new driver, depending on the state

Statistic 10

The annual training costs per driver can be recovered within the first 6 months of employment due to increased efficiency, according to industry analyses

Statistic 11

The average cost of diesel fuel in the U.S. fluctuated between $3.50 and $4.00 per gallon in 2023, significantly impacting operating costs

Statistic 12

The deployment of autonomous and semi-autonomous trucks is projected to reduce labor costs by up to 20% in the long term, according to industry estimates

Statistic 13

Quality management systems in trucking companies have led to a 15% decrease in maintenance costs over the past five years, according to industry data

Statistic 14

The adoption of fuel-efficient truck models has resulted in savings of approximately $10,000 annually per truck in fuel costs, according to fleet studies

Statistic 15

The average annual maintenance cost for tractor-trailers is approximately $15,000, depending on usage and age

Statistic 16

The average cost contribution of insurance, fuel, maintenance, and driver wages combined makes up over 80% of total trucking operation expenses

Statistic 17

The total length of all trucks on the road in North America exceeds 4.3 million miles

Statistic 18

The average fuel efficiency of heavy-duty trucks is approximately 6.5 miles per gallon

Statistic 19

The average annual miles driven per truck in the U.S. is about 100,000 miles

Statistic 20

Nearly 15% of all vehicle miles traveled in the U.S. are by trucks

Statistic 21

The average wait time for trucks at major freight hubs can exceed 2 hours, impacting delivery times and efficiency

Statistic 22

Heavy-duty trucks emit about 4.6 billion metric tons of CO2 annually, making trucking a significant contributor to greenhouse gases

Statistic 23

The crash rate per million miles traveled is higher for trucks than for passenger vehicles, with trucks involved in about 4.5 crashes per million miles

Statistic 24

Traffic congestion leads to an average delay of nearly 20 hours annually per truck in major metropolitan areas

Statistic 25

The average phosphate used in trucks is about 1.75 pounds per mile, contributing to emissions

Statistic 26

The use of telematics systems in trucks can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15%, according to industry studies

Statistic 27

The transportation industry accounts for roughly 30% of the U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, with trucking being a major contributor

Statistic 28

The industry’s adoption of electric and hybrid trucks is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30% by 2030, according to environmental studies

Statistic 29

Approximately 2% of all freight accidents involve hazardous materials, which require special handling and compliance

Statistic 30

The average density of trucking accidents per 100 million miles traveled is around 4.5, higher than passenger cars

Statistic 31

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that strategic investments in hydrogen fuel cell trucks could cut trucking emissions by up to 45% by 2040

Statistic 32

Over 60% of freight in the U.S. is transported by trucks, with a growing emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable trucking practices

Statistic 33

The growth of urban delivery services has led to a 22% increase in last-mile delivery trucks in major metropolitan areas between 2018 and 2023

Statistic 34

The percentage of freight moved via rail in the U.S. is about 20%, with trucks handling the majority but with increasing modal shift to rail to reduce emissions

Statistic 35

A significant portion of delivery delays (over 30%) are caused by truck driver shortages and congestion, impacting supply chains globally

Statistic 36

Approximately 1.3 million trucking companies operate in the U.S.

Statistic 37

The global trucking industry is expected to reach a valuation of over $3.5 trillion by 2025

Statistic 38

About 60% of freight in the U.S. is moved by for-hire trucking companies

Statistic 39

The trucking industry was responsible for transporting approximately 13.1 billion tons of freight in 2022

Statistic 40

The average length of haul for trucks in the U.S. is about 300 miles

Statistic 41

The number of registered trucks in the U.S. exceeded 13 million in 2023

Statistic 42

The use of automatic and semi-automatic transmissions is increasing in trucks, currently present in approximately 55% of new trucks sold in 2023

Statistic 43

The use of electric trucks in commercial fleets is projected to grow at a CAGR of about 22% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 44

The lifespan of a typical long-haul truck is approximately 15 years, after which many are retired or sold

Statistic 45

The percentage of freight carried by trucks has been steadily increasing by about 1% annually over the past decade

Statistic 46

The majority of freight deliveries in the U.S. are completed within 2 days, especially for regional shipments

Statistic 47

The adoption of alternative fuels, such as biodiesel and LNG, among trucks has increased by over 25% since 2020

Statistic 48

Autonomous trucks are expected to make up about 25% of the freight fleet by 2030, according to industry reports

Statistic 49

The demand for refrigerated freight transport grew by approximately 8% annually between 2018 and 2022, driven by cold chain logistics

Statistic 50

The largest trucking companies in the U.S. generate annual revenues exceeding $10 billion

Statistic 51

The average age of trucks in the U.S. fleet is declining slightly due to newer models being introduced, with an average of 12 years in 2023

Statistic 52

The use of drones for inventory management at freight hubs is expected to increase by 30% annually through 2025, enhancing logistics efficiency

Statistic 53

In 2022, the top five states with the highest number of trucking accidents were Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, and Ohio, collectively accounting for over 50% of accidents

Statistic 54

The use of blockchain technology in freight logistics is beginning to increase, with about 10% of companies experimenting with blockchain applications in 2023

Statistic 55

The average cost of a new semi-truck is around $120,000 to $150,000, depending on the specifications and features

Statistic 56

The industry's overall profit margin typically ranges from 3% to 5%, varying with economic cycles and fuel prices

Statistic 57

The number of electric trucks registered in the U.S. was approximately 10,000 in 2023, with rapid growth expected

Statistic 58

The total revenue of the global trucking industry is projected to reach over $4 trillion by 2026

Statistic 59

The percentage of trucks using alternative fuels increased from 3% in 2018 to over 18% in 2023, reflecting cleaner fuel adoption

Statistic 60

In 2022, nearly 1.2 million trucks were involved in the transportation of goods across U.S. borders, emphasizing international trade dependence

Statistic 61

The average lifespan of a fleet vehicle in Europe is about 14 years, slightly longer than in the U.S., due to different maintenance practices

Statistic 62

The adoption of driver-assist technologies such as collision mitigation systems is present in over 40% of new trucks sold in North America

Statistic 63

The average total trip cost for a long-haul truck in the U.S. is approximately $2.50 to $3.00 per mile, including fuel, maintenance, and driver wages

Statistic 64

The freight demand forecast indicates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 3.4% from 2023 to 2030, driven by e-commerce growth

Statistic 65

The majority of freight shipments in the U.S. are temperature-sensitive, with an annual growth rate of roughly 8%, underscoring the importance of cold chain logistics

Statistic 66

The average insurance premium for fleet operators tends to increase by approximately 5% annually due to rising claims costs

Statistic 67

The total number of freight carriers operating within the U.S. exceeds 400,000 registered entities, emphasizing market diversity

Statistic 68

The global autonomous trucking market size was valued at approximately $250 million in 2022 and is expected to grow rapidly

Statistic 69

The number of new trucks sold annually in the U.S. exceeds 300,000 units, reflecting industry investment and growth

Statistic 70

Smart trucking technology, including telematics and GPS, is used by over 80% of trucking companies in North America

Statistic 71

The number of trucking fatalities in the U.S. decreased by about 12% from 2019 to 2022, reflecting safety improvements

Statistic 72

Trucking industry investments in safety technology have increased by over 30% from 2020 to 2023, aiming to reduce accidents

Statistic 73

The expansion of drone delivery along trucking routes is projected to increase efficiency and reduce delivery times by up to 15%, particularly in remote areas

Statistic 74

There are about 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States as of 2023

Statistic 75

The average age of truck drivers in the U.S. is approximately 45.5 years

Statistic 76

Trucking driver turnover rate in the U.S. was about 90% in 2022

Statistic 77

Over 25% of truck drivers operate for private fleets

Statistic 78

About 75% of trucking companies are small businesses with fewer than 20 trucks

Statistic 79

The average age of commercial trucks in operation in the U.S. is approximately 12 years

Statistic 80

The driver shortage in the trucking industry is projected to reach 160,000 by 2028

Statistic 81

The average wage for truck drivers in the U.S. was around $50,000 per year in 2022

Statistic 82

Approximately 40% of truck drivers are estimated to be ethnic minorities

Statistic 83

The median pay for owner-operator truck drivers in the U.S. is around $150,000 annually

Statistic 84

The trucking industry faces a significant challenge with an aging workforce, with over 20% of drivers over 55 years old

Statistic 85

The trucking industry employs approximately 7 million people in the U.S. when including all related jobs

Statistic 86

Over 60% of trucking companies report difficulties in recruiting drivers, according to industry surveys in 2023

Statistic 87

The percentage of women truck drivers in the industry is approximately 6-8%, with efforts increasing to diversify the workforce

Statistic 88

The average number of rest hours mandated by regulations for truck drivers is 10 hours per shift, ensuring driver safety

Statistic 89

The share of drivers working part-time in trucking increased to about 10% in recent years, reflecting industry flexibility

Statistic 90

In China, the trucking industry employs over 16 million people, making it the largest in the world

Statistic 91

The rate of truck driver employment growth is projected at about 2% annually over the next decade, slowly increasing due to the driver shortage

Statistic 92

The average driver turnover rate for snack and beverage delivery trucks is lower at about 60%, compared to heavy freight, due to different operational demands

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Key Highlights

The trucking industry contributed approximately $791.7 billion to the U.S. economy in 2022
There are about 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States as of 2023
The average age of truck drivers in the U.S. is approximately 45.5 years
The trucking industry accounts for roughly 70% of all freight transportation in the U.S.
The total length of all trucks on the road in North America exceeds 4.3 million miles
The average fuel efficiency of heavy-duty trucks is approximately 6.5 miles per gallon
Approximately 1.3 million trucking companies operate in the U.S.
Trucking driver turnover rate in the U.S. was about 90% in 2022
Over 25% of truck drivers operate for private fleets
The average cost of truck insurance in the U.S. is about $7,200 annually per truck
About 75% of trucking companies are small businesses with fewer than 20 trucks
The global trucking industry is expected to reach a valuation of over $3.5 trillion by 2025
The average age of commercial trucks in operation in the U.S. is approximately 12 years

The trucking industry, a vital engine of the U.S. economy generating nearly $792 billion in 2022 and employing over 7 million people, faces a transformative era driven by driver shortages, technological advancements, and a push toward greener fuels—highlighting both its critical importance and urgent challenges.

Economic Impact

The trucking industry contributed approximately $791.7 billion to the U.S. economy in 2022
The trucking industry accounts for roughly 70% of all freight transportation in the U.S.
The average cost of truck insurance in the U.S. is about $7,200 annually per truck
Approximately 80% of freight moves by trucks within the U.S. borders
The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that congestion costs the trucking industry over $60 billion annually
The average cost per mile for trucking operations has increased by approximately 20% from 2019 to 2022, due to fuel and equipment costs
Trucking companies spend approximately 10-15% of their operating costs on maintenance and repairs
The trucking industry’s contribution to job creation in the 50 states exceeds 7 million jobs directly and indirectly
The cost of driver training and licensing in the U.S. averages around $3,000 to $7,000 per new driver, depending on the state
The annual training costs per driver can be recovered within the first 6 months of employment due to increased efficiency, according to industry analyses
The average cost of diesel fuel in the U.S. fluctuated between $3.50 and $4.00 per gallon in 2023, significantly impacting operating costs
The deployment of autonomous and semi-autonomous trucks is projected to reduce labor costs by up to 20% in the long term, according to industry estimates
Quality management systems in trucking companies have led to a 15% decrease in maintenance costs over the past five years, according to industry data
The adoption of fuel-efficient truck models has resulted in savings of approximately $10,000 annually per truck in fuel costs, according to fleet studies
The average annual maintenance cost for tractor-trailers is approximately $15,000, depending on usage and age
The average cost contribution of insurance, fuel, maintenance, and driver wages combined makes up over 80% of total trucking operation expenses

Economic Impact Interpretation

With the trucking industry fueling a $791.7 billion economy yet burdened by over $60 billion annually in congestion costs, escalating fuel and maintenance expenses, and the looming prospect of automation reducing labor costs, it's clear that thriving in this road hemmed by rising costs and regulatory challenges requires more than just a good engine—it demands strategic innovation and resilience.

Environmental and Infrastructure Impacts

The total length of all trucks on the road in North America exceeds 4.3 million miles
The average fuel efficiency of heavy-duty trucks is approximately 6.5 miles per gallon
The average annual miles driven per truck in the U.S. is about 100,000 miles
Nearly 15% of all vehicle miles traveled in the U.S. are by trucks
The average wait time for trucks at major freight hubs can exceed 2 hours, impacting delivery times and efficiency
Heavy-duty trucks emit about 4.6 billion metric tons of CO2 annually, making trucking a significant contributor to greenhouse gases
The crash rate per million miles traveled is higher for trucks than for passenger vehicles, with trucks involved in about 4.5 crashes per million miles
Traffic congestion leads to an average delay of nearly 20 hours annually per truck in major metropolitan areas
The average phosphate used in trucks is about 1.75 pounds per mile, contributing to emissions
The use of telematics systems in trucks can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15%, according to industry studies
The transportation industry accounts for roughly 30% of the U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, with trucking being a major contributor
The industry’s adoption of electric and hybrid trucks is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30% by 2030, according to environmental studies
Approximately 2% of all freight accidents involve hazardous materials, which require special handling and compliance
The average density of trucking accidents per 100 million miles traveled is around 4.5, higher than passenger cars
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that strategic investments in hydrogen fuel cell trucks could cut trucking emissions by up to 45% by 2040
Over 60% of freight in the U.S. is transported by trucks, with a growing emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable trucking practices
The growth of urban delivery services has led to a 22% increase in last-mile delivery trucks in major metropolitan areas between 2018 and 2023
The percentage of freight moved via rail in the U.S. is about 20%, with trucks handling the majority but with increasing modal shift to rail to reduce emissions
A significant portion of delivery delays (over 30%) are caused by truck driver shortages and congestion, impacting supply chains globally

Environmental and Infrastructure Impacts Interpretation

Despite hauling over 4.3 million miles of freight across North America and contributing nearly 30% of U.S. greenhouse gases, the trucking industry is simultaneously challenged by congestion, safety concerns, and a drive towards electrification—highlighting its pivotal yet increasingly scrutinized role in both our economy and environment.

Market Trends and Sales Data

Approximately 1.3 million trucking companies operate in the U.S.
The global trucking industry is expected to reach a valuation of over $3.5 trillion by 2025
About 60% of freight in the U.S. is moved by for-hire trucking companies
The trucking industry was responsible for transporting approximately 13.1 billion tons of freight in 2022
The average length of haul for trucks in the U.S. is about 300 miles
The number of registered trucks in the U.S. exceeded 13 million in 2023
The use of automatic and semi-automatic transmissions is increasing in trucks, currently present in approximately 55% of new trucks sold in 2023
The use of electric trucks in commercial fleets is projected to grow at a CAGR of about 22% from 2023 to 2030
The lifespan of a typical long-haul truck is approximately 15 years, after which many are retired or sold
The percentage of freight carried by trucks has been steadily increasing by about 1% annually over the past decade
The majority of freight deliveries in the U.S. are completed within 2 days, especially for regional shipments
The adoption of alternative fuels, such as biodiesel and LNG, among trucks has increased by over 25% since 2020
Autonomous trucks are expected to make up about 25% of the freight fleet by 2030, according to industry reports
The demand for refrigerated freight transport grew by approximately 8% annually between 2018 and 2022, driven by cold chain logistics
The largest trucking companies in the U.S. generate annual revenues exceeding $10 billion
The average age of trucks in the U.S. fleet is declining slightly due to newer models being introduced, with an average of 12 years in 2023
The use of drones for inventory management at freight hubs is expected to increase by 30% annually through 2025, enhancing logistics efficiency
In 2022, the top five states with the highest number of trucking accidents were Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, and Ohio, collectively accounting for over 50% of accidents
The use of blockchain technology in freight logistics is beginning to increase, with about 10% of companies experimenting with blockchain applications in 2023
The average cost of a new semi-truck is around $120,000 to $150,000, depending on the specifications and features
The industry's overall profit margin typically ranges from 3% to 5%, varying with economic cycles and fuel prices
The number of electric trucks registered in the U.S. was approximately 10,000 in 2023, with rapid growth expected
The total revenue of the global trucking industry is projected to reach over $4 trillion by 2026
The percentage of trucks using alternative fuels increased from 3% in 2018 to over 18% in 2023, reflecting cleaner fuel adoption
In 2022, nearly 1.2 million trucks were involved in the transportation of goods across U.S. borders, emphasizing international trade dependence
The average lifespan of a fleet vehicle in Europe is about 14 years, slightly longer than in the U.S., due to different maintenance practices
The adoption of driver-assist technologies such as collision mitigation systems is present in over 40% of new trucks sold in North America
The average total trip cost for a long-haul truck in the U.S. is approximately $2.50 to $3.00 per mile, including fuel, maintenance, and driver wages
The freight demand forecast indicates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 3.4% from 2023 to 2030, driven by e-commerce growth
The majority of freight shipments in the U.S. are temperature-sensitive, with an annual growth rate of roughly 8%, underscoring the importance of cold chain logistics
The average insurance premium for fleet operators tends to increase by approximately 5% annually due to rising claims costs
The total number of freight carriers operating within the U.S. exceeds 400,000 registered entities, emphasizing market diversity
The global autonomous trucking market size was valued at approximately $250 million in 2022 and is expected to grow rapidly
The number of new trucks sold annually in the U.S. exceeds 300,000 units, reflecting industry investment and growth

Market Trends and Sales Data Interpretation

With over 13 million trucks navigating America's highways, the trucking industry, now a $3.5 trillion global powerhouse projected to embrace autonomous innovation and cleaner fuels, remains the backbone of supply chains—steering the economy forward one mile at a time.

Technological Advancements and Innovations

Smart trucking technology, including telematics and GPS, is used by over 80% of trucking companies in North America
The number of trucking fatalities in the U.S. decreased by about 12% from 2019 to 2022, reflecting safety improvements
Trucking industry investments in safety technology have increased by over 30% from 2020 to 2023, aiming to reduce accidents
The expansion of drone delivery along trucking routes is projected to increase efficiency and reduce delivery times by up to 15%, particularly in remote areas

Technological Advancements and Innovations Interpretation

With over 80% of North American trucking firms embracing smart technology and safety investments soaring by over 30%, plus a 12% drop in fatalities and drone delivery primed to slash remote-area delivery times, the industry is steering confidently toward safer, smarter, and more efficient horizons—proof that innovation is truly driving change on the open road.

Workforce Demographics

There are about 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States as of 2023
The average age of truck drivers in the U.S. is approximately 45.5 years
Trucking driver turnover rate in the U.S. was about 90% in 2022
Over 25% of truck drivers operate for private fleets
About 75% of trucking companies are small businesses with fewer than 20 trucks
The average age of commercial trucks in operation in the U.S. is approximately 12 years
The driver shortage in the trucking industry is projected to reach 160,000 by 2028
The average wage for truck drivers in the U.S. was around $50,000 per year in 2022
Approximately 40% of truck drivers are estimated to be ethnic minorities
The median pay for owner-operator truck drivers in the U.S. is around $150,000 annually
The trucking industry faces a significant challenge with an aging workforce, with over 20% of drivers over 55 years old
The trucking industry employs approximately 7 million people in the U.S. when including all related jobs
Over 60% of trucking companies report difficulties in recruiting drivers, according to industry surveys in 2023
The percentage of women truck drivers in the industry is approximately 6-8%, with efforts increasing to diversify the workforce
The average number of rest hours mandated by regulations for truck drivers is 10 hours per shift, ensuring driver safety
The share of drivers working part-time in trucking increased to about 10% in recent years, reflecting industry flexibility
In China, the trucking industry employs over 16 million people, making it the largest in the world
The rate of truck driver employment growth is projected at about 2% annually over the next decade, slowly increasing due to the driver shortage
The average driver turnover rate for snack and beverage delivery trucks is lower at about 60%, compared to heavy freight, due to different operational demands

Workforce Demographics Interpretation

Despite a vibrant workforce of 3.5 million truck drivers aging at an average of 45.5 years, industry turnover soaring at 90%, and a looming shortage of 160,000 drivers by 2028, the trucking sector remains a resilient mosaic of small businesses and diverse communities, all navigating the road ahead with rotations of regulations, workforce diversification efforts, and a steadfast commitment to safety—highlighting that in trucking, as in life, the journey is as significant as the destination.