If you’re in the trucking or logistics industry, you know how fast things are changing. With advancements in technology and the introduction of new processes, staying updated on the latest trends and industry insights is crucial. In this blog post, we’ll explore some fascinating facts about trucking and logistics that you may not have heard before. We hope these facts are both informative and helpful as you navigate this ever-evolving industry
- Moving the Nation’s Freight
Each year, U.S. trucking companies transport over 10 billion tons of freight, equating to more than 22 million semi-trucks moving goods across the country. - A Major Employer
With over 3 million employees, the trucking industry is one of the largest employment sectors in the U.S. - Incredible Mileage
Truck drivers average around 120,000 miles annually, almost the equivalent of circling the globe three times! Some specialized companies, like AJG, can even double that due to their extensive team freight services. - Dominating Freight Transport
Trucks handle over 70% of all U.S. freight, moving everything from groceries to furniture and car parts. - Economic Powerhouse
The trucking industry contributes $671 billion to the U.S. economy every year, which represents nearly 4% of the country’s total economic activity. - Greener Trucks
Compared to 1970, today’s trucks emit 20% fewer greenhouse gases. Innovations continue to make trucking more environmentally friendly. - Booming Truck Sales
In 2018, half a million industrial trucks were sold in the U.S., and this number grows by 20% every year. Additionally, 12.2 million light trucks were sold in that same year. - Rising Driver Numbers
The U.S. is home to nearly 900,000 heavy and tractor-trailer drivers—an impressive increase from just 1.8 million in 2006. - Wages Impact Costs
In the U.S., driver wages account for about 33% of the total cost of freight trucking. - Logistics in North America
The North American logistics market is valued at an astounding 1.4 trillion euros. - The Five Pillars of Logistics
Logistics is structured around five main elements: storage and warehousing, packaging and unitization, inventory, transportation, and information control. - What Trucks Carry
Trucks handle 91% of lumber, 83% of agricultural products, 92% of prepared foods and canned goods, and 65% of pharmaceuticals in the U.S. - Small Businesses Leading the Way
90% of the U.S. trucking market is dominated by small businesses. - Vast Fleet of Trucks
The U.S. operates 16 million heavy trucks, essential for the smooth operation of supply chains nationwide. - Truck Pile-Up to the Moon
If you stacked all the trucks in the U.S. one on top of the other, they would reach the moon! - Mind-Boggling Mileage
Collectively, U.S. trucks travel a combined 300 billion miles each year, equivalent to making over 652,000 round trips to the moon. - Fuel Consumption
Trucks use 5.8 million barrels of oil each day, up from 1.6 million barrels per day in 2010. - Driver Shortage
The trucking industry faces a driver shortage, impacting delivery times for major companies like Amazon and Walmart. However, AJG remains unaffected by this issue due to its focus on driver satisfaction and retention. - Top Transported Goods
The most commonly transported goods in the U.S. are clothing, food, furniture, electronics, and machinery. - Future Growth
The U.S. trucking industry is projected to grow by 21% over the next decade. - Women in Trucking
There are over 200,000 female long-haul truck drivers in the U.S., and their numbers continue to grow. - Braking Power
Trucks need 40% more time to stop than cars due to their size and weight. - Refrigerated Food Transport
90% of the food consumed in the U.S. is delivered via refrigerated trucks. - Job Impact
One out of every 14 jobs in the U.S. is created or influenced by the trucking industry. - Fuel Dependency
The trucking industry consumes about 50 billion gallons of gasoline annually, representing nearly 13% of the nation’s total fuel consumption. - Long-Lasting Engines
Over-the-road trucks are built to last more than a million miles before being retired, compared to car engines that typically last around 200,000 miles. - History of the Tractor-Trailer
The first tractor-trailer was invented by Charles Freuhauf in 1914, created to transport a boat for a customer. - Small Business Dominance
Most U.S. trucking companies are small businesses, vital to the industry’s growth and adaptability. - Logistics Employment
More than 9 million people in the U.S. work in logistics, relying on the industry for their livelihood. - Massive Cargo Ships
The largest cargo ships in the world can carry enough goods to transport something as large as the Eiffel Tower. - Saving on Shipping Costs
Companies that partner with dedicated logistics firms save an average of 13% annually on shipping costs. - Building Strong Partnerships
88% of U.S. shippers agree that communication, flexibility, and transparency are key to successful logistics partnerships. AJG’s commitment to these values helps build lasting relationships with clients. - The History of Barcodes
Barcodes were initially developed to label railroad cars but were later introduced to supermarkets in 1974. Today, they’re widely used in logistics and across many industries. - Top Trucking State
Texas boasts the largest trucking workforce, with over 172,000 truck drivers employed. In Texas, 15 out of every 1,000 jobs are trucking-related. - Explosive Industry Growth
The trucking industry is expected to grow by 21% by 2022, making it an attractive career option with stable pay and job security. - Age Demographics
Around 29% of truck drivers are aged 45-55, while only 5% are between 20-24 years old. - Historical Truck Manufacturers
Mack Trucks, founded in 1900, didn’t produce its first truck until 1907. Other early manufacturers included Ford and International Harvester. - Freight Projections
By 2030, the total volume of freight is expected to increase by 25%, reaching 20.6 billion tons, while freight revenue will grow by over 50%. - The Origin of ‘Logistics’
The term “logistics” originates from the French word “logistique,” first used for military operations in the 19th century before being adapted for civilian use. - Massive Spending on Logistics
U.S. businesses spend approximately $1.5 trillion annually on logistics, nearly 8% of the country’s GDP. - Continued Job Growth
Despite already being a significant employer, the U.S. logistics industry creates 300,000 new jobs every year. - Supply Chain Pioneer
Henry Ford is credited with pioneering modern supply chain management (SCM), building factories that streamlined inventory and shipping processes. - Air vs. Sea Freight
Although 9.5 billion tons of goods are shipped by sea annually, over 42 billion tons are transported by air. However, air freight remains cost-prohibitive for many logistics operations. - Trucking Revenue Milestones
The U.S. trucking industry’s annual revenue exceeds $385 billion. - Economic Contribution
The logistics industry contributes more than $30 billion to the U.S. economy through drivers and related jobs. - Technological Advancements
Future technologies, such as blind-spot monitoring, electric trucks, and advanced braking systems, are transforming the industry and making trucks safer and more efficient. - Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
New ELD regulations are designed to improve driver safety by automating driving hour records and ensuring compliance. - Driver Education
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 35% of truck drivers with more than seven years of experience have advanced education and professional training. - Freight’s Future Growth
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics estimates that no other freight method, including rail, vessel, air, or pipeline, moves as much weight as trucks do annually.
