The Backbone of the Economy

Considering a new career?  Perhaps you should look into truck driver jobs; historically, they’ve been one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country.  In fact, commercial trucks are the only method of transportation that can deliver goods directly to customers.  Without truck drivers, store shelves would be bare, gas pumps would be empty, and restaurants would have no food to serve.  Thus, experienced truck drivers are the backbone of the American economy and will always be needed even in times of economic turmoil. These statistics (provided by the U.S. Department of Labor) illustrates just how vital (and vast) the commercial transportation industry is.

• In 2006, there 2.9 million truck drivers (both over-the-road and short haul) on the road.
• 26% of those truckers are employed by trucking companies while another 25% work for retail or wholesale companies (such as Wal-Mart).  The remaining truck drivers work in various industries such as construction.
• Roughly 10% of all commercial truck drivers are self-employed and work as owner operators.
• There are more than 500,000 trucking companies in the country.
• In 2006, truck drivers collectively logged more than 432 billion miles behind the wheel.
• Truckers (both company drivers and owner operators) can earn between $13.33 and $21.04 an hour.
• Long-haul truckers are primarily paid per mile while short-haul or local drivers are often paid on an hourly basis.