Trucking industry in the United States

The trucking industry is the backbone of U.S. freight movement, carrying more than 70% of all domestic freight by weight and generating over $940 billion in gross revenue annually, according to the American Trucking Associations. The industry is highly fragmented: the largest carriers, such as UPS Freight and FedEx Freight, operate tens of thousands of trucks, while over 90% of carriers operate fewer than six vehicles.¹ Owner-operators, who own and drive their own trucks, account for a significant portion of capacity, often leasing their services to larger carriers or freight brokers. The industry supports a vast supply chain, from raw materials to finished goods, and is particularly vital for just-in-time manufacturing and e-commerce delivery.

Federal oversight of trucking is primarily the responsibility of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which sets hours-of-service rules, drug and alcohol testing standards, and vehicle safety requirements.² The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate, fully enforced since 2019, requires drivers to record their hours digitally to prevent fatigue-related accidents. The FMCSA also administers the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program, which scores carriers on safety performance and can trigger interventions. State governments enforce additional regulations, including weight limits (typically 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight) and oversize/overweight permits. Safety remains a persistent challenge: in 2021, large trucks were involved in over 500,000 crashes, resulting in more than 5,000 fatalities.³

The industry employs approximately 3.5 million drivers, making it one of the largest occupations in the country. However, it faces a chronic driver shortage, estimated at over 80,000 drivers in 2021, driven by long hours, time away from home, and relatively low pay for new entrants.⁴ The workforce is predominantly male (about 90%) and older, with a median age of 46, prompting efforts to recruit younger drivers and women. Labor relations are shaped by the National Labor Relations Act, but unionization is limited; the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents a minority of drivers, mainly in less-than-truckload (LTL) and package delivery. Independent contractor status for owner-operators has been a legal battleground, with California's Proposition 22 and similar laws affecting gig-economy models.

Beyond the well-known long-haul trucking, the industry includes niche segments such as auto haulers, livestock carriers, and hazmat transporters, each with specialized equipment and licensing. The term 'trucking' also encompasses less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, which consolidates freight from multiple shippers, and intermodal operations that combine trucks with rail or ships. Historically, the industry was transformed by the Motor Carrier Act of 1980, which deregulated entry and rates, leading to a surge in small carriers and increased competition.⁵ Another overlooked aspect is the role of truck stops as economic hubs, offering fuel, maintenance, and amenities, and the growing adoption of alternative fuels like natural gas and electric trucks, with Tesla's Semi and other models entering the market. The industry also has a significant environmental footprint, accounting for about 23% of U.S. transportation-related carbon emissions, prompting regulatory and technological responses.⁶

For-hire carrier

A trucking company that transports goods for other businesses for a fee.

Owner-operator

An independent truck driver who owns and operates their own truck.

Less-than-truckload (LTL)

Shipping mode that consolidates freight from multiple shippers into a single trailer.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD)

A device that electronically records a driver's hours of service to ensure compliance.

Intermodal

Freight transport using multiple modes, such as truck and rail.