For many in trucking, 2001 was a year to forget. Yet even in one of its worst years in memory, the industry flexed some pretty impressive economic muscles. Truckers move most of the nation's freight, with impressive efficiency and safety records (though both should be improved). Trucking is the only freight resource for three-quarters of all communities in the U.S. You're so good at delivering that the public often underestimates your clout.
As part of TA's salute to drivers on its 30th anniversary, Road King presents the following overview of your industry. (Figures are from American Trucking Associations, unless otherwise noted.):
Some 9.9 million people work in trucking related jobs. 3.1 million are drivers, including local and OTR.
Of those:
- 4.7% are women;
- 26.9% are minorities; and
- 68.4% are white males
There are at least 550,000 interstate motor carriers, and probably as many intrastate. Before deregulation in 1980, there were fewer than 20,000 interstate carriers.
The Southeast has more than 20 percent of all interstate motor carriers.
Trucks moved 67% of all freight--some 8.9 billion tons (down from 9 billion in 2000).
That freight is worth trillions. In 1997, the last year in which the data were compiled, trucking moved nearly $5 trillion worth of freight.
Private fleets move 52% of all truck-borne freight.
Trucking revenue last year was $610 billion - 87% of all freight transportation revenues.
Revenues have not kept pace with inflation. Since 1976, prices in general have nearly tripled and miles driven have soared, while revenues have gone up only about 50%.
If you feel like you're working harder to slow your backward slide, you may be right. From 1976-1980 (before deregulation), inflation rose 45% and revenue per mile, 35%. Since then, inflation's risen 102%, but average revenue per mile is up only 11%. Adjusted for inflation, that means average revenue has DROPPED 45% since 1980.
