Fast Facts About the Trucking Industry

The trucking industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. It employs millions of people and bolsters the entire United States economy. Read on for more interesting and fun facts about the trucking industry.

It is vital to the U.S. economy.

According to the American Trucking Association, the trucking industry is responsible for almost $40 billion paid into federal and state taxes. In addition to taxes, the trucking industry is responsible for over 12% of all registered vehicles, which brings in additional revenue. Truck drivers are also integral to almost every industry in the world, because they transport grocery goods, raw materials, electronics, livestock, and countless retail products. The United States economy would suffer greatly without the trucking industry.

It employs millions of drivers.

In 2014, the trucking industry was responsible for employing over 7 million people. Over 3 million of them were certified truck drivers, and over 200,000 were female drivers. This is important to the economy and millions of citizens’ continued welfare.

It is a growing industry.

As online retail steadily increases in popularity, and the United States economy continues to grow, the trucking industry grows as well. Carrier companies totaled over 1.5 million in 2015 between for-hire, private, and non-specified companies. This number will continue to grow with the increase of truck driving schools and employees looking for non-university education and training to enter the workforce.

It has reduced exhaust emissions.

The trucking industry has cut down its exhaust emissions by 95% since the 1980s. Technology is constantly improving to include clean-running diesel trucks and electric rigs. These changes are vital to the health of the environment and the continued running of the trucking industry.

Learn more fun facts with the instructors at Yuma Truck Driving School. We offer training in all three CDL classifications, as well as financial assistance and job placement assistance. Please call us at (888) 647-3239 to learn how to become a truck driver in Yuma, AZ.

Are You Physically Fit Enough to Be a Truck Driver?

It is important to your career as a truck driver to be physically fit and healthy enough to perform your job well. You must be able to maintain a clean bill of health and take a routine physical to maintain your CDL certification. Read on to see if you are physically fit to be a truck driver.

Do you follow a healthy diet?

Eating a healthy diet is vital to your continued career as a truck driver. You will be in your cab for most of your time on the road, and that will severely impede your ability to exercise and move around. You must follow a healthy diet to avoid gaining weight or becoming overly fatigued and sickly while driving. A healthy diet should consist of lean meats, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid sugary sodas, energy drinks, and foods high in carbohydrates.

Do you have an exercise regimen?

Exercise is important to your physical, mental, and emotional health. Getting your heart rate up can keep your weight stable, decrease risks of developing diseases, and keep your energy levels up. These traits are important for a successful career in truck driving. It may seem difficult to exercise while on the road, but there are several simple ways that you can keep your body moving as much as possible. Perform simple yoga stretches, calisthenics, and high-intensity interval exercises every time you stop. You can also use a national gym membership, so you have access to a gym almost everywhere you visit.

Do you have a clean bill of health?

Part of passing your CDL certification requires that your physical be clean. You should not have a history of or heightened risk of developing certain conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. If you have a clean bill of health, then you can succeed as a truck driver.

Earn your education and CDL certification in Yuma, AZ by attending Yuma Truck Driving School. We are committed to providing a complete education along with dedicated job placement. Please call us at (888) 647-3239 to speak with our admissions experts.