How trucking revs up the economy

Thanks to trucking, the economy is on the move.

According to a recent report by the Commerce Department, the U.S. economy grew by an annually adjusted rate of 2.3 percent in the period between April and June.

Strong consumer spending led the way, followed by exports and new-home construction. Personal expenditures expanded by 2.9 percent, an encouraging sign for the trucking industry.

It’s impossible to overlook how trucking contributes to the nation’s economy. Trucking is the fourth-largest contributor to our GDP behind housing, food and health care.

When more trucks are on the road, more goods are being manufactured and shipped. The latest report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis bears this out. Transportation and warehousing jobs increased by over 17,000 in June. Trucking alone added 7,000 jobs.

In the past quarter, trucking has added over 19,000 jobs, with an annual number coming in at over 43,000. Considering trucking faced serious challenges during the recession, these employment numbers are impressive.

According to a recent report compiled by the American Trucking Associations, annual trucking revenue reached $700 billion for the first time ever this past year.

Whatever happens in the long term, it appears trucking is on the road to a full recovery. Once again, trucking drives economic growth and keeps the nation’s supply chain moving forward.