The United States’ expansive trucking industry plays a vital role in the economy’s health. The American Trucking Association has found that trucking accounts for more than 70% of all shipped freight in the country. Many Americans would struggle to access their necessary daily goods and services without a robust trucking industry. Here’s what you need to know about the trucking sector and its significance to other commercial industries.
What’s Included in the Trucking Industry
The trucking field is built on trucks picking up goods from production centers and delivering them to distribution facilities. These goods are then moved into stores or shipped directly to consumers. Several key sectors, like retail, grocery stores and manufacturing plants, rely on these deliveries. Even the construction industry needs frequent deliveries of specialized equipment such as building materials and industrial machines.
The country’s gross freight sector revenue in 2022 was $940.8 billion. More than 750,000 motor carriers own or lease at least one freight truck. About 8.4 million people are employed in a field related to the trucking industry. Most importantly, the trucking sector contributed $389.3 billion or about 1.64% to the United States’ gross domestic product.
Essential Technology in the Trucking Industry
In recent years, the trucking industry has benefited from advancements in safety, efficiency and data analytics. On average, the trucking sector struggles with about 130,000 road accidents a year. To minimize these risks, trucks now include driver alert systems and collision warnings. Onboard cameras will detect seatbelt use and prevent unsafe driving habits.
Disruptions in the supply chain can have a dire impact on the quality of the goods and the stores that need them. Better analytics give trucking companies the ability to refine their travel routes and offer accurate delivery times. Logistic companies will also have no problem spotting potential disruptions and finding effective solutions before they impact the driver. Cybersecurity is an extension of technology one might want to invest in just to make sure of the safety within these types of companies.
This essential industry has also sought out ways to reduce its carbon footprint and prioritize sustainability. New electric vehicles are energy-efficient and don’t require fossil fuels. Other businesses are considering moving toward trucks with low emissions. These eco-friendly vehicles will slowly replace the existing diesel fleet.
With the use of artificial intelligence, the trucking industry can now more accurately predict when a truck will require maintenance. Predictive maintenance significantly lowers the chances of an expensive breakdown on the road. Knowing when a vehicle needs care allows fleet management to optimize their mechanics’ time. Drivers will also feel more confident during long trips.
More Interesting Info on the Trucking Industry
Most businesses across the United States would be unable to operate without the trucking industry. This sector is so important that it’s often used as a gauge of the economy’s health. To meet the country’s shipping needs, the trucking industry must upgrade its existing technologies. Potential industry challenges to keep in mind include a need for more experienced truck drivers and outdated infrastructure. Successfully navigating these trucking hurdles will require new levels of efficiency as well as smart investments in innovative technologies.
