Jun 27, 2017 • Community

Trucking Industry Statistics

Trucking Industry Statistics

Here’s a closer look at the trucking industry statistics highlighting the significance of the backbone of America – truckers.

Trucking Industry Statistics

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.

The Trucking Industry Powers America

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!

The Trucking Industry Can Be Dangerous

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.

What Do Truck Drivers Haul?

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!

Tagstruck drivers Trucking Industry

Trucker Spotlight - Maggie Jessop <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> <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/maggie3.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Maggie</strong>, who's a trucker and a blogger. She's a mother of eight kids (six sons, two daughters). She taught high school language arts over 20 years time while simultaneously managing a sewing manufacturing company. When her children grew up, she felt the need to learn something new so she wouldn’t get too old too fast. Let's get to know more about Maggie and her colorful story. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How long have you been trucking?</strong></h3> I got my CDL when I was 52 years old and have been driving for 3.5 years. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/maggie5.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I went into trucking mainly to improve my circumstances financially. My previous work experience had been in school, office, and warehouse and I excelled in domestic skills like cooking, sewing, and child care. I got really tired of lady wages. It’s a struggle to make a living unless you’re a rock star, movie actor, or have a string of abbreviations following your name. Trucking was a whole new ballgame with strange new terminology and monster trucks and a terrifying and dangerous environment but it tripled my income. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/maggie2.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Are there times of loneliness while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> Trucking can be boring and lonely if I let it be. I use my solitaire hours to think up ideas and write books in my head. During mandatory rest breaks, I write. So far, I have published two full size memoirs, two children’s books, and fifteen low content books like coloring books, notebooks, sketchbooks, and journals. Trucking and writing make a great team! Rest breaks are too long. I only need seven hours of sleep. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you start a blog? Any chance you'll start your Youtube channel soon? Any plans of being a CDL Instructor?</strong></h3> I keep busy driving 60+ hours per week driving over 3,000 miles. I keep a blog called <a href="https://teachertailortrucker.com/">Teacher Tailor Trucker</a>. I am getting ready to publish my third memoir called Stranger in a Strange Land. My fourth memoir comes next and is called Search for the Highroad. It tells the story of my trucking life. I also put out new children’s books every few months. I am also planning to create a YouTube channel. I invested in a home recording studio and plan to record songs, contract voiceover work, and record audiobooks. <h2></h2> I plan to keep trucking until I can match my income as an author and voiceover artist. Since I have teaching experience, I’m sure I could be a CDL instructor, but my other plans will likely take precedence. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/maggie4.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your trucking pet peeves?</strong></h3> My pet peeve in trucking is when little car drivers get too close and then want to cuss out the big rig drivers. Car drivers don’t seem to understand that a semi truck and trailer is over 70’ long and weighs 80,000 pounds when loaded. They take much longer to slow down safely. Cars beware! I try to be patient because I was once a little car myself, but sometimes I have to slam breaks and lay on the train horn to get their attention. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Could you identify the current pain points in the trucking industry? And maybe some suggestions on how to fix them?</strong></h3> When I went to CDL school, trucking seemed to be a male dominated industry. I got yelled at, cussed out, made fun of, and told I was waaay too ladylike and persnickety. “You don’t belong in this industry!” they said. <h2></h2> They said I would get run over because I’m too nice. They said I’d get taken advantage of by the rough characters in the industry. They said I’d never make it and would give up when I finally realized I was out of my element. <h2></h2> I replied that just because I work like a man doesn’t mean I have to look like a man or act like a man. I said there’s no law in the universe that says truck drivers have to be fat and filthy and foul mouthed and illiterate. I told the naysayers, “I’m not leaving the trucking industry until I make it better.” <h2></h2> I’m still here. I am a professional driver. I have never had serious trouble on the road. Other drivers treat me with respect. If I ever break down, it’s not hard to find a decent truck driver to help me out. I’ve been treated better by truck drivers than I have by professional office people. <h2></h2> As a solo driver, I can control my own environment. I can choose my hours, dress how I please, eat how I please, listen to what I please. I keep my truck clean and I exercise every morning. I work hard and wear a dress because I’m a lady. <h2></h2> I mentioned one pet peeve, but the most unsavory thing about trucking that I’ve ever known is the rudeness and indifference that truckers deal with at shippers and receivers. Office and warehouse workers often treat truckers like they’re on the bottom of the totem pole. I don’t think there should be a totem pole. I believe that all of us should treat the rest of us with respect. <h2></h2> Those who have never been a truck driver have no clue what truck drivers deal with. I sure wasn’t aware before I became a driver. My respect has grown by leaps and bounds. Think about it. Every single thing you eat, drink, wear, or use in your home or business came from a truck. The Good Lord provided and a Trucker delivered. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/maggie6.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can we read some of your stories on the road?</strong></h3> Here are some of my blog posts where I share thoughts and experiences about life on the road. My writing is more on the light side with a humorous approach to life while informing my audience of real life experience. Mine are not the norm but hey, if I can get one smile, it’s worth it. <h2></h2> <a href="https://teachertailortrucker.com/blonde-moments/">https://teachertailortrucker.com/blonde-moments/</a> <h2></h2> <a href="https://teachertailortrucker.com/mama-truckers/">https://teachertailortrucker.com/mama-truckers/</a> <h2></h2> <a href="https://teachertailortrucker.com/triple-trucker-trouble/">https://teachertailortrucker.com/triple-trucker-trouble/</a> <h2></h2> <a href="https://teachertailortrucker.com/hug-a-trucker-day/">https://teachertailortrucker.com/hug-a-trucker-day/</a> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Jul 17, 2020 • Carriers

Trucker Spotlight - Hope Zvara <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different people in the trucking industry 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> <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210833.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Hope</strong>, who is a Yoga instructor and founder of Mother Trucker Yoga, whose advocacy is to teach yoga and wellness to truckers. She has been featured in a lot of trucking websites, magazines, and also maintains a podcast on Chrome and Steel Radio. Let's get to know more about Hope and how she mixed yoga with trucking. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210801.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Tell us a short story about you. Any trivia?</strong></h3> I had no idea what I wanted to be when I was in high school. I knew I wanted to help people but was lost among many other things. At age 20 I decided I wanted to do mission work and began to look into being in the Peace Corps. But as a college drop out, that wasn’t an option. So I found a program and a few short months later I found myself on a plane to Nigeria to live for nearly a year. That trip changed my life in a way that helped me to see that I could do anything. As someone who had struggled with addiction and a slew of other issues, a trip like that gave me a deep dose of perspective. That perspective still drives me today to help others gain perspective on their health, happiness, and life’s direction. Trivia? I am a middle child. I Have been to 7 different countries before the age of 30. I love alternative rock. I love dark chocolate and mojitos. And love love love to travel! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to delve into the trucking industry?</strong></h3> Well trucking just fell into my lap. For about 5 years prior I knew I was a transition in my career and was ready to do something different, something more. I had owned a yoga studio for more than a decade and knew owning a studio wasn’t my end game. Then at a local business mixer in my hometown of Hartford, Wisconsin, I started chatting it up with someone I had never met before, who is now my former business partner. I was trying to pitch him corporate yoga for his trucking company office employees and he looked at me and said, “do you have anything for drivers, like in the cab of their truck?” Without skipping a beat I looked at him, threw my arms up, and said “Mother Trucker Yoga”. He loved the idea and the next day I and a perfect stranger were building a company from scratch merging yoga and trucking. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210808.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3> I’ve seen a lot of changes in the last three years. Many drivers I’m sure will comment on the increased regulations. But I want to talk about increasing awareness and action around trucker health. More and more drivers and companies are taking notice of the necessity of taking care of our drivers’ health and well-being. I ask companies all the time are your drivers an asset or a liability? This pertains directly to the health of the driver. Every month I am seeing more and more drivers take an interest in cooking on the truck, drinking more water, trying to exercise or at least for the first time admitting it is something to pay attention to and work to improve. Secondly are mandatory 30-minute breaks and 34-hour resets. Now I am not a truck driver and never claim to be. And as much as these breaks can be a pain in the butt when a load has a deadline. I want to encourage you to see these times outside the driver’s seat as opportunities to take better care of you. Get out and walk, exercise, get to the grocery store or order groceries to be delivered to your truck, or meal prep. See that time as a blessing to help improve your health. You have to take it so you might as well do something positive with it. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What came first, trucks or yoga?</strong></h3> Great question. Yoga came first. As a teen, I struggled with depression, anxiety, and addiction and yoga saved my life. Now I know that might seem heavy, but the reality is that many struggle with mental health and yoga is as much physical fitness as it is about mental and emotional fitness. I went from a young teen practicing yoga as a lifeline to teaching yoga to others, teaching teachers, and then teaching yoga to truck drivers just like you. And I have to say, working with truck drivers has been one of my favorite parts of the road I've been traveling (hehe- get it). <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210823.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Ever tried driving a truck?</strong></h3> I've driven a lot of things, a skid steer, a forklift, a truck and trailer backward up a winding driveway- yes; but an eighteen-wheeler, not yet. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/h1.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your trucking industry pet peeves?</strong></h3> Complaining. Now people in every area, every walk of life, every industry complain. And sharing our concerns, or dislikes, and frustrations when done correctly can be an effective way to make a change. But when people leave comments complaining about what they don't like in a negative tone without any suggestions on how to make it better and when people attack and never for a second consider all that the other has done or has to go through to make X happen, is so frustrating. I believe the key is perspective. And when we gain perspective our tone often changes. We see life differently. The second is people saying it is impossible to be healthy or exercise when you are a truck driver. I promise you with 100% confidence that there are things that you can do as a truck driver to improve your health, fitness, and wellness that you can implement today. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210828.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the common habits that a truck driver should change?</strong></h3> #1 thing a truck driver should change today is drinking more water. Our bodies are made up primarily of water and many of our health concerns can often be tied back to dehydration: grogginess, muscle pain, cramps, fatigue, mental fog, and digestive issues. Drinking more water, ideally, 1/2 your body weight in ounces can dramatically change your health. Secondly is to move more. I'm not telling you to exercise, what I'm saying is with all that sitting you need to move more so you don't end up as stiff as a board. Simple things like small movements or stretches while driving. Walking laps around your rig while filling up with fuel. Or a yoga stretch here and there in those moments where you are waiting to load, unload, on your break, on your reset. It all adds up. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210818.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the benefits of yoga for truck drivers?</strong></h3> There are endless benefits to practicing yoga. And being a truck driver you aren't exempt to those benefits. Here are13 of my top benefits to truck drivers practicing yoga: <ul> <li>Improves flexibility and mobility.</li> <li>Strengthens muscles, which can help with arthritis and back pain.</li> <li>Aids in realigning the spine to help distribute weight evenly.</li> <li>Helps keep spinal disks supple.</li> <li>Offers a natural weight-bearing exercise, increasing bone density.</li> <li>Gets your blood flowing, providing more oxygen to your cells and helps boost hemoglobin and red blood cells.l</li> <li>Assists in increasing the drainage of the lymph, helping to destroy and fight cancerous cells.</li> <li>Gets your heart rate up, lowering the risk of heart disease.</li> <li>Gets you breathing.</li> <li>Lowers blood pressure.</li> <li>Lowers cortisol levels, helping with long term memory, and fighting depression.</li> <li>Improves coordination, reaction time, memory.</li> <li>Helps you to relax</li> </ul> <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210813.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What is the best truck stop food for truckers?</strong></h3> There are dozens of diets and eating guidelines that people follow-truckers included. And I think the better question to ask is what should drivers look for each day at the truck stop to eat? And the answer to that is simple. Look for foods that are fresh, look for foods that are preservative, additive-free. Look for foods that have some sort of nutritional value. So many drivers (and Americans) are eating empty calories: chips, fast food, candy, soda. And sometimes it is hard and there are minimal options so ask yourself what is “good, better, best” for me to eat today. Dried nuts are good, a container of raw carrots, pretzels and hummus is better, or a burger without the bun and a salad with a hard-boiled egg and tons of veggies on top is probably the best. Sometimes the best option is not available. So what is good or better? When we bucket the foods in front of us this way we take some of the stress out of it and stop thinking in the form of “good diet” or “bad diet” and start thinking along the lines of good, better, best. And remember you don't’ always need to be the best! <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/Lark20200727-210838.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some wellness tips that you would like to share for truckers?</strong></h3> What we do each day is often dictated by what is sitting between our two ears. Mental health is critical as a truck driver. When you add up being away from family and loved ones for weeks on end coupled with isolation, erratic schedules, and deadlines, you need to take time for you. This does not include mindlessly scrolling Facebook or Instagram. This is you listening to a positive audiobook, or upbeat music, calling a friend, and not complaining but sharing your wins for the day. But don’t be fooled, simple things like drinking more water, and getting your butt moving (sorry to be so blunt) WILL and does positively impact your overall wellness every single day. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/h2.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How can truckers subscribe to your yoga classes?</strong></h3> Drivers can easily subscribe and join our Mother Trucker Yoga family as easy as a click of a button. By going to <a href="http://www.MotherTruckerYoga.com">MotherTruckerYoga.com</a> and go to our “Subscribe” page. Don’t worry it’s not $100 a month to join our family and receive our amazing content. Subscribe for just $7.99 a month and get new content dripped to you each month. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Jul 27, 2020 • Carriers

Nebraska Troopers Ride With Truckers to Spot Unsafe Drivers

Mar 01, 2017 • Community