With such a big impact on the economy in America, the trucking industry is often unconsidered in its importance. There are about 3.5 million truck drivers in the U.S. and they are keeping the economy running, one mile at a time
We rely on truck drivers every day; from the milk we put in the fridge to the gas we need to get to work, a truck driver has brought those goods to our stores and gas stations so we can have what we need to continue life as normal as possible during these trying times.
This is why Craftsmen cares about our drivers, and want to educate and appreciate what a huge role they play in our lives.
According to an article written by American Freight Inc. about the industry:
In the U.S. the trucking industry has the biggest impact on the country’s GDP than in any other country.
Each year truck drivers haul an estimated 10.8 billion tons of products across the country
No other method of transportation handles more state to state hauled products. About 70% of transported goods are moved by trucks.
Grocery stores depend on drivers so much that if they stopped hauling, the average store would be almost completely empty within 3 days after their last delivery.
Trucking is growing at such a rate that the industry needs to hire about 900,000 drivers to keep up with demand.
Drivers spend, on average, at least 300 days a year on the road, sacrificing time with their families, and are by themselves about 20 hours a day according to an article by Free Freight Search. It reports also they are driving up to 430 miles per day and up to 125,000 miles a year
Truckers often have to deal with more than just driving and transporting, they also have to consider their route due to weather, traffic, and other external variables that often cause them to have to drive even farther to get our goods to our stores. All while also considering the condition of their vehicle and the goods they are transporting by doing mandatory checks, they have a lot of responsibility.
Information from Bureau of Labor Statistics says truck drivers have to take courses or training and have to acquire a CDL driver’s license in most cases, all cases if they are driving long haul. To get their CDL, they must pass a knowledge and driving test. There are other endorsements as well, such as HAZMAT, that require additional tests and training. Their driving record both in a truck or a personal vehicle must stay very clean in order to obtain and keep their CDL license status as well as maintaining their health to pass required health tests.
We at Craftsmen Trailer would like to say thank you to all of the drivers who are keeping this country running. We appreciate and recognize the difference you make.
