5 Things You Didn't Know About Trucking

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5 Things You Didn't Know About Trucking The
trucking industry is the backbone of the global
supply chain, transporting goods across vast
distances and ensuring that everything from food
to electronics makes it to store shelves and
into our homes. Despite its importance, trucking
is often misunderstood or overlooked by the
public. In this blog, well explore five
fascinating facts about trucking that you might
not know!

• Truckers Drive Over 3 Million Miles a Year
• When you think about the scale of trucking, the
  numbers are astounding. Collectively, truck
  drivers in the United States drive over 3 million
  miles every year! To put that into perspective, a
  truck driver could theoretically circle the globe
  120 times annually. This immense amount of travel
• highlights the critical role trucking plays in
  keeping goods moving across the country.
• Individual truck drivers, especially long-haul
  drivers, can cover over 100,000 miles a year,
  often spending weeks on the road at a time. Its
  a tough job that requires incredible dedication
  and endurance.
• Trucking is a Heavily Regulated Industry
• Due to the importance of safety and the potential
  dangers of operating large vehicles, the trucking
• industry is heavily regulated. The Federal Motor
  Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict
  guidelines for truck drivers, including rules on
  how many hours they can drive before taking a
  break. These rules, known as Hours of Service
  (HOS) regulations, limit drivers to a maximum of
  11 hours of driving within a 14-hour workday and
  require at least 10 consecutive hours off duty
  between shifts.

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• Additionally, truck drivers are required to pass
  DOT physical exams and undergo random drug and
  alcohol testing to ensure they are fit for the
  job. These safety measures help to protect both
  the truck drivers and the public.
• 3. Trucking is Essential to the Economy
• The trucking industry is the lifeblood of the
  economy. Without trucks, many industries would
  grind to a halt. In fact, trucks move over 70 of
  all freight in the United States, delivering
  approximately
• 10.5 billion tons of goods each year.
• From transporting raw materials to delivering
  finished products to stores, trucking supports
  nearly every sector of the economy. Its
  estimated that without trucks, grocery stores
  would run out of food in three days or less,
  highlighting just how vital the industry is to
  everyday life.
• Theres a Massive Demand for Truck Drivers
• Despite the importance of trucking, there is a
  significant shortage of drivers in the industry.
  In recent years, the trucking industry has been
  facing a growing demand for qualified drivers,
  with a shortage estimated at more than 60,000
  drivers. As the demand for shipping grows,
  especially with the rise of e-commerce, this
  shortage is expected to continue.
• The good news is that trucking offers excellent
  career opportunities for those looking for a
  stable and well-paying job. Many companies offer
  attractive benefits, signing bonuses, and
  competitive pay to attract new drivers. The
  median annual salary for truck drivers in the
  U.S. is around
• 50,000, with experienced drivers earning
  significantly more.
• Truck Drivers Have to Follow Special Health
  Requirements
• To ensure that drivers can safely operate heavy
  trucks over long distances, the FMCSA requires
  truck drivers to meet certain health standards.
  One of the key requirements is the DOT physical
  exam, which evaluates a drivers physical and
  mental health to ensure they are fit for duty.
• Truck drivers are also required to follow strict
  regulations around sleep apnea, a condition that
  can cause drivers to feel fatigued during the
  day. Drivers with symptoms of sleep apnea may be
  required to undergo a sleep study and potentially
  use a CPAP machine to manage the condition and
• continue driving safely.
• Furthermore, truckers are subject to random drug
  and alcohol testing to maintain safety on the
  road. All of these measures help ensure that
  drivers are healthy and able to handle the
  demands of the job.
• Conclusion
• The trucking industry is full of surprising facts
  and plays a much larger role in everyday life
  than many people realize. From the massive miles
  covered to the critical role truckers play in
  supporting the economy, theres no denying that
  trucking is essential. While the job comes with
  its challenges, including extensive regulations
  and health requirements, it also offers
  incredible opportunities for those willing to
  take on the open road.

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with DOT regulations, random testing, or physical
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Services Centers is here to help. We
offer nationwide services to help employers keep
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