
Here’s a closer look at the trucking industry statistics highlighting the significance of the backbone of America – truckers.
The trucking industry statistics are truly remarkable. It’s an industry topping $726.4 billion in revenue for 2015 and responsible for six percent of all jobs in America.
If you bought it, they brought it. Truck drivers keep America rolling by driving countless and lonely hours delivering the cargo we desire. Without trucks to ship things, those shelves would be mighty bare and those same-day delivering services from your online shopping wouldn’t be possible without truckers.
Don’t believe us? Check out the trucking industry statistics.
Merge onto any highway and you’ll see countless semi trucks heading in either direction of the road. Seems like they’re endless amounts of them right? You would be correct, in fact 80 percent of all cargo in the USA!

There are 3.5 million truck drivers in the trucking industry who put their life at risk delivering an array of commodities and goods. Drivers operate heavy-duty trucks with a load weighing as much as 80,000 pounds. In 2015, 852 truck drivers lost their life while working, making truck driver the most dangerous job in the USA. So remember to give truck drivers space and don’t tailgate.

Truck drivers haul a variety of goods with machinery, electronic and motorized vehicles making up 27 percent of goods shipped by truck drivers in America. The most common thing trucks haul is machinery, followed by electronics and motorized vehicles. Additionally, mixed freight includes commodities such as food and restaurant supplies.

Let’s face it, without the trucking industry we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the things we have. Shelves would be empty and people would undoubtedly be in a state of panic if that happens. The trucking industry statistics don’t lie!




New Year, New Trucks 2021
[p]The trucking industry has had to deal with several challenges in the past few years, with more yet to come. The ever-changing world has ushered in a new era urging the industry to change with it. We have arrived at a point in time, where the environment is better cared for, and driver safety is held supreme. As a result, traditional semi-truck manufacturers have had to adapt and conform to modern safety and emission standards. The new threat from all-electric trucks is another drive for old truck manufacturers to change their ways or risk losing to the competition. We are nearing the era of sustainable, greener trucks that are environmentally friendly and easy to drive.
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[p]So what do we have in store for 2021? Let's take a look at the much-awaited upcoming trucks from the industry-leading marques.
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[p][b]Kenworth [/b][/p]
[p]Kenworth is one of the oldest truck manufacturers in America with a rich history. They have plenty to offer when it comes to heavy-duty class 7 and class 8 trucks. The Kenworth T680, the Kenworth W990, and the Kenworth T880 are three notable mentions that deserve a place on our list. The three trucks are due to come out in 2021 with a fresh approach towards safety, efficiency, and performance. [/p]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/01/202101-BLOG-New-Year-New-Trucks-2021-Kenworth.jpg" alt=""]
[p]The giant machines are safer than ever, with a host of driver-assist features to make driving hassle-free. The W990 and the T880 can sport the Wabco OnGuardACTIVE safety system that enhances your abilities as a driver. [/p]
[p]What’s more, the new T680 gets Level 2 autonomy with Bendix Wingman Fusion, which is a step into the future for the traditional marque. Kenworth has also partnered with the Meritor for the T680e, an electric version of the sturdy T680 that would work wonderfully on short routes. [/p]
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[p][b]Peterbilt [/b][/p]
[p]The Peterbilt 579 comes new and improved for 2021 with even better comfort and safety options. The 579 truck has been a popular choice in the past years, and more customers are likely to turn towards the new UltraLoft Sleeper model. The fresh model 579 comes with the Bendix Wingman Fusion system as standard.[/p]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/01/202101-BLOG-New-Year-New-Trucks-2021-Peterbilt.jpg" alt=""]
[p]The 579 truck has top of the line aerodynamics that reduce drag, improve efficiency, and result in overall better performance on the highway. Not to mention the mighty engine that roars under the hood producing inhumane levels of torque. [/p]
[p]The Peterbilt 389 is another popular model that makes its way into 2021 with extra features to go with its traditional styling. It comes equipped with Peterbilt’s SmartNav technology and the SmartLINQ diagnostics system that allows over the air updates and lets you diagnose engine issues while sitting in the cabin. The 389 is a step in the future with the same traditional looks. [/p]
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[p][b]Mack [/b][/p]
[p]Mack trucks have been around for more than a century and they have proven to be the best of the rest. The Mack Anthem is a testament to Mack's unwavering commitment to making up-class trucks. The Anthem comes with a dominant design, a potent engine, and a comfortable interior making it the perfect all-around truck for highway driving. [/p]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/01/202101-BLOG-New-Year-New-Trucks-2021-Mack.jpg" alt=""]
[p]The 2021 machine gets Command Steer that reduces the driver's effort by over 30% allowing you to maneuver with masterful precision anytime every time. However, if you are a bit of an old-timer then the Mack Pinnacle is the truck for you. This traditionally designed big-rig carries on with the design philosophy of an old truck, but it has the safety and technology of a modern one. The Pinnacle has a low center of gravity for better road grip, a forward axle position for heavier payloads, and a sturdy chassis to handle extremely heavy freight. All in all, a great truck for both off-road and on-road applications. [/p]
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[p][b]Freightliner [/b][/p]
[p]The Freightliner Cascadia takes the limelight in the Freightliner line-up as this new truck comes with a host of modern technological upgrades that old truckers would only dream of in their time. The Daimler Detroit Assurance Suite 5.0 comes equipped in the Cascadia providing Level 2 autonomy and safety. On the other hand, the Detroit powertrain ensures no payload is heavy enough for Cascadia. [/p]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/01/202101-BLOG-New-Year-New-Trucks-2021-Freightliner.jpg" alt=""]
[p]If you are looking to shift to a greener option within the Freightliner line-up, you can consider the eCascadia, an electric version of the brilliant Cascadia. The e-version gets all the tech and safety features and the comfort options found in the Cascadia. The largest difference comes in terms of performance as the eCascadia gets a 475 kWh battery to power the truck for 250 miles. The 0 to 80% charge takes 90 minutes, which is remarkable considering the size of the battery. [/p]
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[p][b]Conclusion[/b][/p]
[p]When it comes to buying a semi-truck in America there are many options to consider. You can go for the more traditional looking variants or step into modern territory with the futuristic-looking big-rigs. If you go even further, there is the all-electric truck market that hasn't been tapped to its full potential. The Tesla Semi is one truck you can consider as it is planned for a 2021 release. No matter the case, with <a href="https://www.epa.gov/transportation-air-pollution-and-climate-change/carbon-pollution-transportation">emissions reaching alarming levels</a>, it is time for the semi-truck manufacturing industry to move into new territories. [/p]
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[p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]
Trucker Spotlight - Kangaroo Trucker <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different truck drivers to understand some life lessons that make them who they are today. We also learn more about their motivations, and the problems that they encounter on the job. We also tackle how Trucker Path's solutions helped them with what they do. The information that they provide helps inform other people who are looking to delve into the trucking world.</em>
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<a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/Lark20200630-214612.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/Lark20200630-214612-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5084"></a>
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Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Jim</strong>, who recently picked up a vlogging hobby on Youtube. His channel, "The Adventures of Kangaroo Trucker”, is where he shares his adventures, both good and bad, while out over the road. He recently just started driving trucks and was heavily influenced by his brothers. Let's get to know more about Jim and his adventures.
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<h3><strong>How long have you been trucking?</strong></h3>
I started my trucking career in 2019. I went to a local CDL school but wasted my money so I invested again with a large carrier and went to their school and drove OTR with them for about a year to get some experience. I left them and went with a smaller trucking firm (about 300 trucks) out of Pennsylvania. I got some good experience driving in the upper north east of U.S., but the communication with their drivers and the constant sitting and driving in the worst places caused me to look elsewhere. I was referred to a medium size company (about 1600 truck fleet). It’s a much better fit for me. I go out 4-5 weeks at a time and get home time with no problem. They send me all over lower 48 states.
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3>
I got into trucking because my younger brother is a Truck Driver and my older brother, who passed in 2015, was an owner operator and owner a couple of trucks. I must have had a mid life crisis or something but I was drawn to go out to get my CDL and see what it was like to walk in his shoes. It’s been a journey. I’m glad I did it and I encourage everyone to follow their passion. It’s not just a job to me. It feeds my family, yes, but I like the daily challenges and I am amazed on how complex this logistical puzzle ever gets accomplished with the many moving parts. It is a miracle to me, at times, it all seems to work out just to get something from point A to point B. It really takes some good attitude and a great deal of patience, but working together with everyone is really what makes this whole process work.
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<h3><strong>What made you start Youtube vlogging?</strong></h3>
I was hoping create videos to either entertain seasoned truckers as they watch me struggle getting my experience or for those new to trucking eager to learn from others who have made their mistakes so that all of us can learn from it.
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<h3><strong>What's the story of you becoming "Kangaroo Trucker"? Do you also have a name for your truck?</strong></h3>
I own a gymnastics business in Atlanta area and have a competitive Trampoline and Tumbling team. The gyms logo is a Kangaroo so that’s why I call myself Kangaroo Trucker.
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<a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/kt.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/kt-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5090"></a>
<h3><strong>How did Trucker Path help you in your day to day trucking?</strong></h3>
I will say that early on I found the <a href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/">Trucker Path app</a> to be a really large part of my daily arsenal to help me navigate this great country. I never realized how truckers had to constantly trip plan and we’re constantly looking for a place to shut down for their 10 hour break. TruckerPath is just one of those tools a trucker uses to help find a safe place to shut down, or see if a weigh station is open. The thing I like the most is that it is a Trucker Community driven app. It’s a good feeling to look for a truck stop and to find other truckers have updated the status so someone like me can feel safe in knowing there’s likely a good chance I’ll find a spot to shut down. Equally, I’m happy to update all locations I visit so I can return the favor. So if you use it, I encourage you to update often. If you don’t use TruckerPath app, I’d recommend giving it a try. Especially if you are new. Not all of us have the years of experience to know all the exits by memory of our favorite places like the veteran drivers out there.
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<h3><strong>Where can we watch your videos?</strong></h3>
You can find me on my Youtube Channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9x-LgYMaepeyXCApHfCQOg">Kangaroo Trucker</a>.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v8-9EhgnlG0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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I’ll keep on trucking as long as I can. It’s a great feeling to be contributing to America's supply chain and doing my part to help.
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Cheers!
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<h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4>
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How to Become an Owner Operator
[p]To become an owner operator and be your own boss requires several necessary steps and tips which you can follow our guide.[/p]
[h2]How to Become an Owner Operator[/h2]
[p]Creating a work schedule that fits your lifestyle, deciding when to take time off and the potential for greater earnings are all reasons why you might want to become an owner operator.[/p]
[p]Becoming an owner operator is a journey that seems complicated and endless; however, it is within reach. First, off it would be best if you already had several years of experience as a truck driver. The experience of being a company driver can be beneficial for you to understand the ins and outs of the industry and operating your own trucking company. Follow these steps to help get you started on the [a href="http://m.onelink.me/cceb1f59"]path[/a] to your trucking dream.[/p]
[h2]File For a USDOT and MC Number[/h2]
[p]The first thing to you will need to become an owner operator is to have a registered USDOT number as well as a [a href="https://cms.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/get-mc-number-authority-operate"]Motor Carrier (MC) number[/a] which provides you the authority to operate. There is a one-time $300 federal filing fee to request an MC number with the FMCSA. If you've ALREADY registered for a USDOT number then you can [a href="http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/LIVIEW/PKG_REGISTRATION.prc_option"]request an MC number online here[/a].[/p]
[h2]What are the Different Types of Trucking Authority?[/h2]
[p]<a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucking-authority/">Trucking authority for carriers</a> is categorized into common or contract. A common carrier is available for hire by a shipper or broker. A contract carrier is contracted to haul loads for a specific company and are not available to the general public for hire.[/p]
[h2]Truck Insurance[/h2]
[p]Having insurance is not just an enforced federal law, it's intended to protect you as an owner-operator from risking your assets and liability in the event of an unexpected situation. The FMCSA requires certain types of insurance coverage depending on the authority you choose and the goods you plan to haul. For example, hazardous freight or freight requiring a hazmat permit will require specific liability coverage that differs from household goods. You can [a href="https://cms.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/insurance-requirements"] find the various forms and requirements of the FMCSA here[/a].[/p]
[h2]To Be or to Lease a Truck? That is the Question[/h2]
[p]Deciding if you should lease or purchase a truck has much to do with your available assets. A used heavy duty truck in decent shape can cost over $60,000 and run upwards of $100,000. However, if you are considering to lease a truck from a trucking company, then you can look into the possibility for a lease-to-own truck purchasing option. Choosing to lease a truck can save you on the biggest upfront cost to become an owner-operator. Keep in mind that if you <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/lease-purchase-trucking/">choose to lease from a company</a>, typically you're expected to haul for them as well (there are some exceptions).[/p]
[h2]Using Load Boards to Find Truck Freight[/h2]
[p]Streamlining how you find truck loads can generate the most potential for your newfound position as an owner operator. [a href="http://m.onelink.me/58720b7e"]Truckloads[/a] is a free load board available on the web as well as on mobile devices (iOS and Android),providing you with over three million monthly loads to search through wherever you are. Not to mention access to unlimited premium loads and the ability to view a brokers credit score, days to pay and contact them right from the app.[/p]
[p] Learn more about <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/types-of-truck-freight/">truck freight</a> and the opportunity to maximize your earning potential![/p]
[video id="snyBYpnuhWw"]
[h2]Becoming an Owner Operator is a Process[/h2]
[p]Starting your own company requires cash upfront to cover your operational costs and includes the payment of fees, taxes and any potential repairs. The process of becoming an owner operator is tedious and can take over a month before you even earn the authority by the FMCSA. Nonetheless, the chance to become an owner operator can pay off and allow you unlimited earning potential.[/p]
[p]Taking advantage of the opportunity to become an owner operator could have a lasting impact on your career and personal life. Not every option will be the best fit for you and your family. Instead, you must review your situation before making any decision to becoming a leased or independent owner operator. Once You have become an owner operator and have your own authority, you can begin to search for loads to haul by using load boards like Truckloads.[/p]
[button-green href="https://truckloads.truckerpath.com/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=becomeanownerop&utm_campaign=July3"]Try Truckloads for Free![/button-green]