Surprising Trucking Industry Facts

The trucking industry is often overlooked and misunderstood by those who are not familiar with it. However, it plays a critical role in keeping our economy running and providing essential goods and services to communities across the country. Here are some trucking industry facts that may surprise those who are not familiar with the industry.

The trucking industry is a major employer in the U.S., with over 3.49 million people working in the industry in various roles such as drivers, dispatchers, mechanics, and more. This makes it one of the largest employers in the country, providing jobs for people with a wide range of skills and backgrounds. According to the American Trucking Association, the number of for-hire carriers with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration totaled 1,102,799 in June of 2022. Further establishing the trucking industry’s vast importance. 

4 Surprising Trucking Industry Facts

The Average Age of a Truck Driver is 48 

According to Zippia, the average age of a truck driver in the United States is around 48 years old. Though this is not old, many trucking companies are looking to recruit younger drivers because many of the current drivers are close to retirement age. The higher average age of truck drivers is likely due to the fact that many older workers are choosing to stay in the industry. A significant portion of the trucking workforce is nearing retirement age, which could exacerbate the current driver shortage.

The Industry was Short 80,000 Drivers in 2021

The industry was short 80,000 drivers in 2021 and 78,000 in 2022. Due to the pandemic, the trucking industry suffered a major shortage of drivers and is still recovering from the loss. Many trucking companies are hiring due to the fact that a lot of current drivers are close to retiring. Trucking companies are offering increasingly competitive pay and better benefits to attract new drivers.

Truck Drivers Can Cook in Their Cabs

Truck drivers spend a lot of time on the road and often struggle to find healthy and convenient meal options. Cooking in their cabs can be helpful for truck drivers who want to maintain a healthy diet while on the road.

One option for cooking in the cab is using a portable electric stove or hot plate. These small appliances are designed to plug into a truck’s cigarette lighter and can be used to cook various foods including eggs, stir-fries, and even soups. When purchasing crockpots or electric stoves, make sure you buy one that can be plugged into the cigarette lighter or have some kind of conversion tool in your truck. This is a great option for meals like stews, soups, and chilis that can be prepared in advance and left to cook while you’re on the road.

Another option for cooking in the cab is using a portable propane stove. These stoves are compact and easy to use and can be used to cook a variety of foods including pancakes, burgers, and even steaks. Some truck stops even provide propane refills for these stoves. In addition to cooking equipment, it’s also important for truck drivers to have the right tools and utensils in their cabs, such as a cutting board, knife, and cooking pan. Some truckers even bring small refrigerators or coolers to keep ingredients fresh and store leftovers.

Cooking in the cab of your truck can be a convenient and healthy option for truck drivers. It allows you to control what you eat and save money on unhealthy fast food meals. Make sure that if you are cooking in your cab, you do so safely, and make sure everything is unplugged when leaving your cab and when going to sleep.

Truck Drivers Can Customize their Truck’s Interior 

Some truck drivers take pride in their vehicles and enjoy the opportunity to keep them in top condition. This can include customizing the interior, adding extra lights, or even painting the truck with a unique design. Customizing the interior of their truck can help make it feel more like home and make the time on the road more comfortable.

One way to customize the interior of a truck is by adding comfortable seating. Some truck drivers choose to replace the standard seat with a more comfortable one, such as a seat with added lumbar support or a heated seat. Other truckers also opt for a sleeper cab, which allows you to rest and sleep in their truck, providing a more comfortable environment.

Another way to customize the interior of a truck is by adding storage solutions. Truckers often have to carry a lot of gear with them on the road, and having proper storage solutions can help keep the cab organized and clutter-free. This can include things like additional shelving, storage bins, and toolboxes. Additionally, truck drivers can add personal touches to the interior of their trucks, such as curtains, lighting, and even artwork. This can help to create a more personalized and comfortable environment.

Technology can also be added to the truck to improve the experience, such as in-cab entertainment systems, GPS navigation, and even WiFi. There are countless ways truck drivers can customize the interior of their truck to make it feel more like home and make the time on the road more comfortable. 

Learn More Trucking Industry Facts with Truck Driving Institute 

The trucking industry is vast and full of things you likely don’t know. Truck driving contributes a lot to the nation and without truck drivers, we would not be able to receive the simple goods we need to survive. You can join the fleet of new drivers hitting the road by signing up to get your CDL from TDI today. 

When you get your Class A CDL from TDI you get a premier education in just 3 weeks. You could pay as little as $225 out of pocket and potentially receive a starting salary as high as $71,000. Contact us to learn more about your options at TDI!