14 Trucker Stats You Should Know (Age, Race, Gender, and More)
The trucking industry is the backbone of the US economy, responsible for ensuring that goods are shipped from coast to coast. With the e-commerce market booming and the global supply chain growing ever more complex, understanding the landscape of trucking, including the demographic makeup of its workforce, is critical for businesses and policymakers alike. Here are 14 trucker stats that shed light on the individuals behind the wheel.
1. A Profession Dominated by Experience
According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the average age of commercial truck drivers in the United States is around 46 years old. This indicates a workforce that values experience, but also flags potential issues as these drivers approach retirement.
2. Generation Gap
The age distribution of truck drivers shows a concerning trend — there is a lack of younger drivers entering the industry. Less than 25% of truck drivers are aged 20-34, compared to over 27% in the general workforce, pointing towards a looming shortage as older drivers retire.
3. A Male-Dominated Industry
Gender diversity remains an area for improvement in trucking. Women make up about 10% of over-the-road (OTR) truck drivers according to Women in Trucking, a figure that has slowly increased over the years but is still far from parity.
4. The Road Calls for Many
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the transportation and warehousing sector employed 1.547 million heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in the United States as of 2020. This makes trucking one of the largest employment categories in the country.
5. Diversity in the Cab
Racial diversity among truck drivers is somewhat representative of the general population, with a significant number of drivers identifying as minorities. Specifically, around 40.6% of truck drivers are comprised of Black, Asian, and Hispanic individuals, according to the ATA.
6. Earnings on the Road
Truck drivers’ earnings vary based on several factors, but the median pay for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $47,130 in 2020, the BLS states. This can be higher or lower depending on the drivers’ routes, specialties, and experience.
7. The Long Haul
Long-haul trucking, also known as over-the-road or OTR trucking, is a segment wherein a considerable amount of drivers specialize. These drivers often cover routes that extend over several states and sometimes cross the country.
8. High Demand, High Turnover
With the increasing demand for trucking services, the industry faces a high turnover rate, especially among large fleet carriers. The ATA notes turnover rates can exceed 90% annually for these carriers, a stark indication of the industry’s volatility.
9. The Weight of the Industry
Commercial trucks carry an astounding 71% of all freight tonnage moved in the United States. This fact alone exemplifies the critical role truckers play in keeping the country’s economy rolling, as reported by the ATA.
10. A Shift Toward Safety
Advancements in technology have ushered in a new era of safety within the trucking industry. Features such as advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are becoming more common, potentially reducing the number of accidents on the road and making the profession safer.
11. Training as a Barrier
Entering the trucking profession requires proper licensing and often significant training. The Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is mandatory, and the training cost and time investment (typically several weeks) can be a barrier for entry into the field.
12. The Health of the Road Warriors
Truck driving is often associated with several health concerns due to the sedentary nature of the job and the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle on the road. Obesity, sleep apnea, and other health issues are more prevalent among truck drivers than in the general population.
13. Owner-Operators: The Entrepreneurial Truckers
A substantial portion of the industry is made up of owner-operators — drivers who own their trucks and work as independent contractors. They represent the entrepreneurial spirit within trucking, but also face unique challenges such as higher expenses and the responsibility of running their own business.
14. The Environmental Challenge
Trucking, as it currently stands, has environmental impacts, particularly in terms of emissions. Increasingly, there is a push towards more fuel-efficient and sustainable practices, including the development and adoption of electric trucks, which could alter the landscape of the industry moving forward.
In Conclusion
The trucking industry presents a fascinating ecosystem of workers who are the lifeblood of American commerce. From the demographics that shape its workforce to the economic and technological trends impacting its future, understanding these stats is crucial for anyone involved with or interested in the field of trucking.
In ongoing efforts to ensure a robust supply chain and addressing the driver shortage, the industry may need to consider more aggressive recruitment strategies, including appealing to younger demographics and promoting diversity. Advancements in vehicle safety and shifts towards more sustainable practices will be key in ensuring the longevity and reputation of this essential industry.
For businesses, policymakers, and those considering a career on the open road, the nuances encapsulated by these statistics provide a glimpse into an industry faced with change, challenge, and opportunity. As the country moves forward, the role of the trucker remains as important as ever, steering not just rigs but the economy toward an evolving horizon.
These stats offer a window into the trucking industry’s present state and hint at the road that lies ahead. For more insights and articles on industry trends, be sure to subscribe and follow our latest posts where we unravel the complexities and celebrate the triumphs of the trucking world, one mile at a time.
(Please note that this article is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute professional advice. The industry is subject to rapid change, and we recommend consulting professionals for the most current information and guidance.)