America on Wheels: Why the Country Depends on Trucks and Their Drivers

Ten Facts About Trucks in the United States

• If trucks stop, shelves go empty in 3 days: A complete halt in road transportation would lead to shortages in less than a week, especially in food, medicine, and fuel.

• I-95 is the most heavily used highway by trucks: This major interstate runs along the East Coast, connecting major cities like Miami, Washington D.C., New York, and Boston.

• Trucks cover more than 300 billion miles per year: That’s equivalent to circling the globe over 1.2 million times.

• Each truck can carry up to 80,000 pounds (36 metric tons): This is the maximum weight allowed without special permits, though some trucks are built for much heavier loads.

• Diesel is king: Most trucks run on diesel engines for their power and durability, although electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles are gaining ground.

• The average truck driver is 48 years old: Trucking is one of the professions with the oldest workforce, raising concerns about a lack of younger replacements.

• Only 8% of drivers are women: Although that number is growing, the industry remains overwhelmingly male-dominated.

• The longest trucks can reach up to 120 feet (36 meters): These are known as “road trains” and are more commonly found on rural routes, especially in states like Texas and Arizona.

• Trucks travel over 4 million miles of roads and highways: The U.S. has one of the largest and most complex roadway networks in the world.

• Trucking generates over $940 billion annually: It’s a cornerstone of the American economy, accounting for nearly 80% of all freight transportation revenue.