Related: ATA Truck Tonnage Index Slightly Dropped in May, Still Far Below 2019 Numbers
ATA: Trucking Remains Dominant Freight Mode
The combination of generating $791.7 billion in revenue and moving 11.84 billion tons of freight in 2019 adds up to trucking being the dominant freight mode, according to ATA American Trucking Trends 2020, the latest edition of American Trucking Associations’ annual data compendium.

Image: ATA
The combination of generating $791.7 billion in revenue and moving 11.84 billion tons of freight in 2019, adds up to trucking being the dominant freight mode according to ATA American Trucking Trends 2020, the latest edition of American Trucking Associations’ annual data compendium.
“Despite a challenging year, the data contained in American Trucking Trends shows the industry was in good shape entering the global pandemic,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello.
The report highlighted a number of positive fiscal facts in this year’s edition of the ATA report, including:
Trucking’s revenues accounted for 80.4% of the nation’s freight bill in 2019.
Trucks moved 67.7% of surface freight between the U.S. and Canada and 83.1% of cross-border trade with Mexico —a total of $772 billion worth of goods.
Close to 8 million people — 3.6 million of which are professional drivers — have trucking-related jobs, an increase of 140,000 from 2018.
Women make up 6.7% of the industry’s drivers and minorities account for 41.5% of truckers.
More than 90% of fleets operate six or fewer trucks and about 97% operate 20 or fewer.
More Fleet Management

Motive Adds AI Agents for Fleet Operations
New tools automate follow-up on fleet data, from maintenance work orders to driver alerts, with two-way voice conversations planned for later this year.
Read More →Can You Beat Our Trucking Trivia Challenge?
Test your truck knowledge with 19 trivia questions from Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange. Can you keep up with the fleet pros?
Read More →
BeyondTrucks Adds Rules Checks to Dispatch
New Compatibility Engine checks driver qualifications, equipment requirements and fleet policies before loads are dispatched.
Read More →
Diesel Prices Hijack Trucking’s Worry List
ATRI’s annual survey finds cautious optimism about freight, but diesel costs, litigation, and insurance continue to squeeze fleets. Drivers have different priorities on several issues.
Read More →
Nomination Deadline Extended for HDT Emerging Leaders
Just a few more days to nominate accomplished trucking fleet professionals under 40 who are making an impact and helping lead the industry forward for the HDT Emerging Leaders award. Deadline extended to October 20!
Read More →
What Will ATA’s New Leader Bring to Trucking's Table?
Incoming President and CEO Mark Colson’s record in Alabama offers clues about his priorities and approach following Chris Spear’s abrupt departure as the head of the American Trucking Associations.
Read More →
Volvo, Waabi Start Commercial Autonomous Operations in Texas
Volvo VNL Autonomous trucks, powered by the Waabi Driver, are hauling freight directly to third-party facilities for a customer in Texas.
Read More →
Samsara Launches Custom AI Agent Builder
Agent Studio lets fleets create AI tools for hours-of-service monitoring, reporting and driver support, including agents that communicate by phone.
Read More →
Einride Driverless Electric Trucks Begin Daily Freight Operations in Ohio
Two cabless electric trucks are hauling freight between EASE Logistics facilities in Marysville, Ohio, as part of a multi-state truck automation project.
Read More →
Geotab Links Fleet Card to Vehicle Data
The new card combines fuel discounts with telematics-based purchase controls. Geotab’s analysis also points to potential savings from choosing lower-priced fuel stops.
Read More →
