How Truckers Move America

Every day, millions of professional truck drivers head out on the road to transport and deliver the clothes we wear, the food we eat, the devices we use, and almost everything else in our homes. No matter where something is now, at one point it was being transported on a truck. Therefore, it’s important to take time to recognize the men and women behind the wheel that we rely on every day.

This year, we are happy to join other companies, groups, and individuals in celebrating Truck Driver Appreciation Week, running from September 10th to September 16th.

To showcase just how much truckers do for our economy and the country, we've collected some facts for you to read below:

Truck drivers play a vital role in our economy. In 2022, they transported 11.46 billion tons of freight, up from 10.93 billion tons from the previous year. The trucking industry also employs more than 8.4 million people, making it one of the largest industries in the country.

Truck drivers support our communities: They deliver food to our grocery stores, medicine to our doctors and hospitals, supplies to our businesses, and furniture and electronics to our homes. By transporting goods from factories to warehouses to stores, truck drivers ensure that we have everything we need to live our daily lives. 

The life of a truck driver is not easy. They spend long hours on the road, away from their families and friends, and they often have to deal with difficult weather conditions, traffic, and long delays. Despite all this, however, they get to see a lot of the country and meet many interesting people. They take pride in their work and enjoy knowing that they are helping to keep the economy, and the country, moving.

Truck drivers were essential workers during COVID-19. During the COVID-19 pandemic, truck drivers were essential workers who kept our economy running when the rest of the workforce came to a stop. They delivered food, medical supplies, and other essential goods to communities across the country. They also played a vital role in the distribution of vaccines. Today, many truck drivers are still providing life saving medicine, supplies, and equipment to health facilities across the country.

Statistics on the trucking industry:

• In 2022, the average truck driver salary was $57,900.
• The trucking industry is expected to grow by 5.4% from 2022 to 2030, faster than the average for most occupations.
• The trucking industry is facing a shortage of drivers, with an estimated 64,000 job openings in 2023.

If you're ever driving down the road and see a truck driver, take a moment to thank them for their hard work. They're the ones who keep our economy moving and our communities stocked with goods.

Thank you to all the truck drivers who keep our economy moving every day!