Trucks transport about 72.6% of the nation’s freight by weight, showcasing a significant role in the transportation industry. This statistic is part of a comprehensive set tracked by the American Trucking Associations’ expert team, providing insights into the industry’s dynamics. Explore details below:

Courtesy of American Trucking Associations

Revenue:

$940.8 billion in gross freight revenues (primary shipments only) from trucking, representing 80.7% of the nation’s freight bill in 2022.

Tonnage:

11.46 billion tons of freight (primary shipments only) transported by trucks in 2022, representing 72.6% of total domestic tonnage shipped.

Taxes:

• $29.12 billion paid by commercial trucks in federal and state fuel taxes in 2021.
• 24.4¢ in federal fuel tax paid for each gallon of diesel fuel as of January 2023.
• 18.4¢ in federal fuel tax paid for each gallon of gasoline as of January 2023.
• 33.9¢ paid on average in state fuel tax for each gallon of diesel fuel as of January 2023.
• 31.6¢ paid on average in state fuel tax for each gallon of gasoline as of January 2023.

Number of Trucks:

• 13.86 million single-unit (2-axle, 6-tire or more) and combination trucks registered in 2021, representing 5% of all motor vehicles registered.

Mileage:

• 327.48 billion miles traveled by single-unit and combination trucks in 2021.
• 195.62 billion miles traveled by combination trucks in 2021.

Number of Companies:

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, as of April 2023, over 750,000 active US motor carriers own or lease at least one tractor. Out of those carriers:

• 95.8% operate 10 or fewer trucks.
• 99.7% operate 100 or fewer trucks.

International Trucking:

• Trucks transported 61.9% of the value of surface trade between the U.S. and Canada in 2022.
• Trucks transported 83.5% of the value of surface trade between the U.S. and Mexico in 2022.

Employment:

• 8.4 million people employed throughout the economy in jobs that relate to trucking activity in 2022, excluding the self-employed.
• 3.54 million truck drivers will be employed in 2022 (an increase of 1.5% from 2021).

For more on Trucking Economics, follow Bob Costello, Chief Economist for American Trucking Associations, at @ATAEconBob