In a recent announcement by the American Trucking Associations (ATA), it was revealed that the trucking industry significantly contributes to highway safety through considerable investments. This blog post delves into the recent data, highlighting the industry’s commitment to safety and its impact on road transportation.
According to the ATA, the trucking industry invests a remarkable $14 billion annually in safety enhancements. This investment is channeled into technology, training, and various other measures to ensure the safety of drivers, trucks, and the general public. ATA President and CEO Chris Spear emphasizes that safety is more than a slogan; it’s a mission ingrained in the industry’s core.
In 2022, the trucking industry generated $940.8 billion in gross freight revenues, accounting for 80.7% of the nation’s total freight bill. This figure is a testament to the industry’s vital role in national commerce. Additionally, trucks transported 11.46 billion tons of freight, representing 72.6% of total domestic tonnage shipped, further underlining the industry’s dominance in freight movement.
The trucking industry significantly contributes to national and state revenues through fuel taxes. In 2021, commercial trucks paid $29.12 billion in federal and state fuel taxes. The blog breaks down the tax rates, providing a detailed view of the industry’s fiscal contributions to public infrastructure and services.
There were 13.86 million single-unit and combination trucks registered in 2021, representing 5% of all motor vehicles registered. These trucks traveled 327.48 billion miles, with combination trucks covering 195.62 billion of those miles, highlighting the industry’s extensive operational footprint.
The U.S. Department of Transportation notes over 750,000 active US motor carriers as of April 2023. The majority of these carriers are small businesses, with 95.8% operating 10 or fewer trucks and 99.7% operating 100 or fewer trucks. This data sheds light on the diverse nature of the trucking industry, comprising mostly small to medium-sized enterprises.
Trucks are essential for international trade:
The trucking industry is a significant employment generator, with 8.4 million people employed in trucking-related jobs in 2022, excluding the self-employed. The number of truck drivers alone reached 3.54 million in 2022, indicating a 1.5% increase from the previous year.
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