IPA Provides Useful Information about the Truck Transportation and Warehousing Industry
Truck Transportation and Warehousing
SIGNIFICANT POINTS
- Truck drivers hold 44 percent of all jobs.
- Job opportunities are expected to be good for qualified truck drivers and service technicians.
- Business activity in the industry is prone to rise and fall with upswings and downturns in the economy.
NATURE OF THE INDUSTRY
Firms in the truck transportation and warehousing industry provide a link between manufacturers and consumers.
Businesses, and occasionally individuals, contract with trucking and warehousing companies to pick up, transport,
store and deliver a variety of goods. This industry includes three segments: general freight trucking; specialized
freight trucking; and warehousing and storage.
General freight trucking provides over-the-road transportation of general commodities using motor vehicles,
such as trucks and tractor trailers. This industry segment is further subdivided based on distance traveled and type
of goods delivered. Local trucking establishments primarily carry goods within a single metropolitan area and its
adjacent nonurban areas. Long-distance trucking establishments carry goods between distant areas.
Local trucking comprised 28,000 trucking establishments in 2002. The work of local trucking firms varies
depending on the products transported. Produce truckers usually pick up loaded trucks early in the morning and
spend the rest of the day delivering produce to many different grocery stores. Lumber truck drivers, on the other
hand, make several trips from the lumber yard to one or more construction sites. Some local truck transportation
firms also take on sales and customer relations responsibilities, in addition to delivering the firm’s products.
Some local trucking firms specialize in garbage collection and trash removal or hauling dirt and debris.
Long-distance trucking comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing long-distance trucking
between distant areas and sometimes between the United States and Canada and Mexico. Numbering 41,000 establishments,
these firms handle a wide variety of commodities.
Specialized freight trucking provides over-the-road transportation of freight, which, because of size, weight,
shape, or other inherent characteristics, requires specialized equipment, such as flatbeds, tankers or refrigerated
trailers. This industry sector also includes the moving industry—that is, the transportation of used household,
institutional and commercial furniture. Like general freight trucking, specialized freight trucking is subdivided into
local and long-distance subcomponents. The specialized freight trucking sector contained 45,000 establishments in 2002.
Some goods are carried across country using intermodal transportation to save time and money. Intermodal transportation
encompasses any combination of truck, train, plane or ship. Typically, trucks perform at least one leg in the intermodal
transportation of goods. For example, a shipment of cars from an assembly plant begins its journey when they are loaded
onto rail cars. Next, trains haul the cars across country to a depot where the shipments are broken into smaller lots,
loaded onto tractor-trailers, and sent off on the final leg of their journey to dealerships. Each of these steps is
carefully orchestrated and timed so that the cars arrive just in time to be shipped on their next leg of their journey.
Goods can be transported at lower cost this way, but they cannot be highly perishable—such as fresh produce—nor have
strict delivery time schedules. Trucking still dominates the transportation of perishable and time-sensitive goods.
Warehousing and storage facilities comprised 13,000 establishments in 2002. These firms are primarily engaged
in operating warehousing and storage facilities for general merchandise and refrigerated goods. They provide facilities
to store goods; self-storage mini-warehouses that rent to the general public are also included in this segment of the
industry.
Deregulation of interstate trucking in 1980 encouraged many firms to add a wide range of customer-oriented services to
complement trucking and warehousing services and led to innovations in the distribution process. Increasingly, trucking
and warehousing firms provide businesses full-service logistical services encompassing the entire transportation process,
including inventory management, materials handling, and warehousing. Firms that offer these services are often referred
to as third-party logistics providers. Logistical services manage all aspects of the movement of goods between producers
and consumers, such as sorting bulk goods into customized lots, packaging and repackaging goods, inventory control and
management, order entry and fulfillment, labeling, light assembly and price marking. Logistical services such as computerized
inventory information on the location, age, and quantity of goods available have improved the efficiency of relationships
between manufacturers and customers. Many firms are increasingly relying on computer technology to expedite the distribution
of good. Just-in-time shipping—where trucking companies deliver goods from suppliers just in time for their use—allows
recipients to reduce costly inventories but requires constant communication and accurate inventory information. Packaging,
labeling and small assembly of manufacturers’ products are other services that warehousing establishments use to attract
potential customers. Some full-service companies even perform warranty repair work and serve as local parts distributors for
manufacturers.
WORKING CONDITIONS
In the truck transportation industry in 2002, workers averaged 39.7 hours a week, compared with an average
of 38.5 hours in warehousing and storage and 33.9 for all private industries.
The U.S. Department of Transportation governs work hours and other working conditions of truck drivers
engaged in interstate commerce. For example, a long-distance driver generally cannot work more than 60 hours
in any 7-day period. Many drivers, particularly on long runs, work close to the maximum time permitted because
employers usually compensate them based on the number of miles or hours they drive. Drivers frequently travel
at night, on holidays and weekends to avoid traffic delays and to deliver cargo on time.
Truck drivers must cope with a variety of working conditions including variable weather and traffic conditions,
boredom and fatigue. Many truck drivers, however, enjoy the independence and lack of supervision found in long-
distance driving. Local truck drivers often have regular routes or assignments that allow them to return home in
the evenings.
Improvements in roads and trucks are reducing stress and increasing the efficiency of long-distance drivers.
Many advanced trucks are equipped with refrigerators, televisions and beds for the driver’s convenience. Included
in some of these state-of-the-art vehicles is a satellite link with the company headquarters. Drivers can get directions,
weather reports and other important communications in a matter of seconds. In the event of bad weather or mechanical
problems, truckers can communicate with dispatchers to discuss delivery schedules and courses of action. Dispatchers can
also track the location of the truck and monitor fuel consumption and engine performance.
Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers and repairers usually work indoors, although they occasionally
make repairs on the road. Minor cuts, burns, and bruises are common, but serious accidents can be avoided when the
shop is kept clean and orderly and safety practices observed. Service technicians and mechanics handle greasy and
dirty parts and may stand or lie in awkward positions to repair vehicles and equipment. They usually work in well-
lighted, heated and ventilated areas, but some shops are drafty and noisy.
Laborers, and hand freight, stock and material movers usually work indoors, though they may do occasional work on
trucks and forklifts outside. Some occasions warrant heavy lifting and other physical labor.
Safety is a major concern of the truck transportation and warehousing industry. The operation of trucks, lifts and
other technically advanced equipment can be dangerous without proper training and supervision. Efforts are underway
to standardize the training programs to make drivers more efficient and effective truck operators. Truck drivers
already must adhere to federally mandated certifications and regulations. Federal mandates require drivers to submit
to drug and alcohol tests as a condition of employment and more employers require periodic checks while on the job.
In 2002, work-related injuries and illnesses in the trucking and warehousing industry averaged 7.0 per 100 full-time
workers, higher than the 5.3-incidence rate for the entire private sector. About 3 out of 4 on-the-job fatalities in
the truck transportation and warehousing industry resulted from motor vehicle accidents.
EMPLOYMENT
The truck transportation and warehousing industry provided 1.9 million wage and salary jobs in 2002. About 44 percent
of the salaried jobs in the industry or 810,000, were for truck drivers. Other transportation and material moving jobs
numbered 417,000 and another 327,000 jobs were in various office and administrative support occupations. There were
about 92,000 in management, business and financial occupations; 55,000 vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics,
installers and repairers; and 43,000 sales and related workers. In addition to wage and salary workers, an estimated
255,000 workers in the industry were self-employed in 2002.
Most employees in the truck transportation and warehousing industry work in small establishments. More than 85
percent of trucking and warehousing establishments employ fewer than 20 workers. Consolidation in the industry
has reduced the number of small, specialized firms. About 10 percent of truck drivers and driver/sales workers
operate their own business. Although these owner-operators constantly enter the industry each year, intense
competition has caused many to fail.
Trucking and warehousing establishments are found throughout the United States, with a higher concentration
around the major interstate highways and in heavily industrialized regions of the country such as in California,
New Jersey and Texas.
OCCUPATIONS IN THE INDUSTRY
Transportation and material moving occupations account for 66 percent of all jobs in the industry. Truck drivers and
driver/sales workers, who hold 44 percent of all trucking and warehousing jobs, transport goods from one location to
another. They ensure safe delivery of cargo to a specific destination, often by a designated time. Drivers also perform some
minor maintenance work on their vehicles and make routine safety checks.
The length of trips varies according to the type of merchandise and its final destination. Local drivers provide regular
service while other drivers make inter-city and interstate deliveries that take longer and may vary from job to job. The
driver’s responsibilities and assignments change according to the time spent on the road and the type of payloads
transported.
Local drivers usually work more normal schedules and return home at the end of the day. They may deliver goods to stores,
or homes or haul away dirt and debris from excavation sites. Many local drivers cover the same routes daily or weekly.
Long-distance truck drivers often are on the road for long stretches of time. Their trips vary from an overnight stay to
a week or more. On longer trips, drivers sometimes sleep in bunks in their cabs or share driving with another driver.
Laborers, and hand freight, stock, and material movers help load and unload freight and move it around
warehouses and terminals. Often these unskilled employees work together in groups of three or four. They may use conveyor
belts, hand trucks, or forklifts to move freight. They may place heavy or bulky items on wooden skids or pallets and have
industrial truck and tractor operators move them.
Office and administrative support workers perform the daily recordkeeping operations for the truck transportation and
warehousing industry. Dispatchers coordinate the movement of freight and trucks. They provide the main
communication link that informs the truck drivers of their assignments, schedules and routes. Often dispatchers receive
new shipping orders on short notice and must juggle drivers’ assignments and schedules to accommodate a client.
Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks keep records of shipments arriving and leaving. They verify the
contents of trucks’ cargo against shipping records. They may also pack and move stock. Billing and posting clerks
and machine operators maintain company records of the shipping rates negotiated with customers and shipping
charges incurred; they also prepare customer invoices.
Workers in installation, maintenance and repair occupations generally enter these jobs only after acquiring experience
in related jobs or after receiving specialized training. Most vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers and
repairers require special vocational training. Service technicians and mechanics in trucking and warehousing firms
perform preventive safety checks as well as routine service and repairs. Service technicians and mechanics sometimes
advance to parts manager positions. Parts managers keep the supply of replacement parts needed to repair vehicles. Parts
managers monitor the parts inventory using a computerized system, and purchase new parts to replenish supplies. These
employees need mechanical knowledge and must be familiar with computers and purchasing procedures.
Sales and related workers sell trucking and warehousing services to shippers of goods. They meet with prospective buyers,
discuss the customer’s needs, and suggest appropriate services. Travel may be required, and many analyze sales statistics,
prepare reports and handle some administrative duties.
Managerial staff provide general direction to the firm. They staff, supervise and provide safety and other training to
workers in the various occupations. They also resolve logistical problems such as forecasting the demand for transportation,
mapping out the most efficient traffic routes, ordering parts and equipment service support and planning the transportation
of goods to the right place at the right time.
TRAINING AND ADVANCEMENT
Many jobs in the truck transportation and warehousing industry require only a high school education, although
an increasing number of workers have at least some college education. Increased emphasis on formal education
stems from increased complexity in the industry. Nearly all operations involve computers and information management
systems. Many occupations require detail-oriented persons with computer skills. A growing number of employers
recommend some form of formal training either in-house or through trade or union programs. Although the Federal
Government does not mandate these programs, the trend is toward certification and standardized competency.
Whereas many States allow those who are 18 years old to drive trucks within State borders, the U.S. Department
of Transportation establishes minimum qualifications for truck drivers engaged in interstate commerce. Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require truck drivers to be at least 21 years old, have at least 20/40 vision
and good hearing and be able to read and speak English. They must also have good driving records. In addition,
drivers must have a State commercial driver’s license, for which they must pass a written examination and a
skills test operating the type of vehicle they will be driving. Individual companies often have additional
requirements applicants must meet.
Some truck drivers enter the occupation by attending training schools for truck drivers. Schools vary greatly
in the quality of training they provide, but they are becoming more standardized. Many employers and some States
support these programs.
Some large trucking companies have formal training programs that prospective drivers attend. Other companies assign
experienced drivers to teach and mentor newer drivers. Local trucking firms often start drivers as truck driver
helpers. As they gain experience and demonstrate their reliability, they receive assignments with greater earnings
or preferred work schedules. Because of increased competition for experienced drivers, some larger companies lure
these drivers with increased pay and preferred assignments. Some trucking firms hire only experienced drivers.
Some long-distance truck drivers purchase a truck and go into business for themselves. Although many of these
owner-operators are successful, some fail to cover expenses and eventually go out of business. Owner-operators
should have good business sense as well as truck driving experience. Courses in accounting, business and business
mathematics are helpful, and knowledge of truck mechanics can enable owner-operators to perform their own routine
maintenance and minor repairs.
Unskilled employees may work as helpers, laborers, and material movers in their first job. They must be in good
physical condition because the work often involves a great deal of physical labor and heavy lifting. They acquire
skills on the job and often advance to more skilled jobs, such as industrial truck operator, truck driver, shipping
and receiving clerk or supervisor.
Office and administrative support jobs in the truck transportation and warehousing industry require good typing
skills and familiarity with computers. Shipping and receiving clerks watch and learn the skills of the trade from more
experienced workers while on the job. Stock clerks and truck drivers often advance to dispatcher positions after
becoming familiar with company operations and procedures.
While some vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers learn the trade on the job, most employers
prefer to hire graduates of programs in diesel mechanics offered by community and junior colleges or vocational and
technical schools. Those with no training often start as helpers to mechanics, doing basic errands and chores such as
washing trucks or moving them to different locations. Experience as an automotive service technician is helpful because
many of the skills relate to diesel technology. Experienced technicians may advance to shop supervisor or parts manager
positions.
For managerial jobs in the truck transportation and warehousing industry, employers prefer persons with bachelor’s degrees
in business, marketing, accounting, industrial relations or economics. Good communication, problem-solving and analytical
skills are valuable in entry-level jobs. Since trucking and warehousing firms may rely heavily computer technology to aid
in the distribution of goods, knowledge of information systems also is helpful for advancement. Although most managers must
learn logistics through extensive training on the job, several universities offer graduate and undergraduate programs in
logistics. These programs emphasize the tools necessary to manage the distribution of goods and are sometimes associated with
the business departments of schools. Managers hired for entry-level positions sometimes advance to top level managerial jobs.
Some college graduates and persons without a college degree enter sales or administrative positions. Marketing and sales
workers must be familiar with their firm’s products and services and have strong communication skills.
EARNINGS
Average earnings in the truck transportation and warehousing industry are higher than the average for all private
industry. The average wage in the trucking sector of the industry was higher than the average wage in warehousing.
Most employers compensate truck drivers with an hourly rate or a rate-per-mile system. Truck drivers who operate
heavy tractor-trailers generally have higher earnings than those who drive light delivery trucks. Benefits,
including performance related bonuses, health insurance and sick and vacation leave are common in the trucking
industry.
The major union in the truck transportation and warehousing industry is the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
About 13 percent of trucking and warehousing workers are union members or are covered by union contracts, compared
to about 15 percent of workers in all industries combined. Some trucking companies use "double breasting" in an
attempt to lower labor costs. This involves employing union as well as nonunion operating divisions. Other companies
use multi-tier wage scales and pay lower wages for new hires. Pay increases after predetermined periods and safe
driving records.
OUTLOOK
The number of wage and salary jobs in the truck transportation and warehousing industry is expected to grow 23
percent from 2002 through 2012, compared with projected growth of 16 percent for all industries combined. Because
the industry is large, many job openings will result—not only from employment growth—but also from the need to
replace the large number of workers who transfer to other industries or retire. Opportunities in this industry
should be good for qualified workers at all levels, especially for truck drivers and diesel service technicians
and mechanics.
One of the main factors influencing the growth of the truck transportation and warehousing industry is the state
of the national economy. Growth in the industry parallels economic upswings and downturns. As the national economy
grows, production and sales of goods increase, thus increasing demand for transportation services to move goods
from producers to consumers. In a recession, this industry is one of the first to slow down as orders for goods and
shipments decline. Competition in the truck transportation and warehousing industry is intense, both among trucking
companies and, in some long-haul truckload segments, with the railroad industry. Nevertheless, trucking has been
accounting for an increasing share of freight transportation revenue.
Additional employment growth will result from manufacturers’ willingness to concentrate more on their core
competencies—producing goods—and outsource their distribution functions to trucking and warehousing companies. As
firms in other industries increasingly employ this industry's logistical services, such as inventory management and
just-in-time shipping, many new jobs will be created. Also, the expansion of electronic commerce, as more consumers
and businesses make purchases over the Internet, will continue to increase demand for the transportation and logistical
services of the truck transportation and warehousing industry.
Opportunities for qualified truck drivers are expected to be favorable. In some areas, companies have experienced
difficulties recruiting adequately skilled drivers. Truck driving pays relatively well, but many persons leave the
career because of the lengthy periods away from home, long hours of driving, and the negative public image drivers
face. Employment opportunities should be more plentiful with truckload carriers than with less-than-truckload (LTL)
carriers because many workers prefer the working conditions of LTL carriers. Stricter requirements for obtaining—and
keeping—a commercial driver’s license also make truck driving a less attractive career. Opportunities for diesel
service technicians and mechanics also are expected to be favorable, especially for applicants with formal postsecondary
training.
Growth in the truck transportation and warehousing industry should prompt an increase in office and administrative
support employment. More dispatchers, stock clerks, and shipping, receiving and traffic clerks will be needed to
support expanded logistical services across the country. However, fewer secretaries, bookkeepers and file clerks will
be needed because computers and other automated equipment will make workers in these occupations more efficient and
productive.
Industry data is republished with permission by the Bureau of Labor Statistics