The American Trucking Associations Monday published the 2026 edition of American Trucking Trends, its annual industry data compendium about the state of the U.S. trucking sector.
“Trucking’s reach extends into every corner of the economy. Trends quantifies that impact and puts that invaluable data at business leaders’ fingertips,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “The latest figures show areas of improvement, including modest growth in freight tonnage and industry revenue. But those gains must be viewed in the context of fierce economic headwinds, as motor carriers continue to contend with escalating operational costs and largely uneven freight volumes.”
Among the key findings in this year’s report:
- Trucks moved 11.46 billion tons of freight in 2025, up from the 11.27 billion tons hauled the previous year.
- In 2025, the industry saw revenues at $936.4 billion, up from $906 billion in 2024.
- Trucking employed 8.5 million people in industry-related jobs, including 3.45 million professional drivers in 2025.
- The industry remains one made up of small businesses, with 91.1% of carriers operating 10 or fewer trucks and 99.2% operating fewer than 100 power units.
- Trucks moved 68% of surface trade between the U.S. and Canada, and 86% of goods across the Mexican border in 2025.
“Reliable data is one of the most powerful tools we have to tell trucking’s story and demonstrate our industry’s indispensable role in the economy,” said ATA Chief Advocacy & Public Affairs Officer Henry Hanscom.
ATA American Trucking Trends 2026 is available for purchase at ATABusinessSolutions.com.
MATS seeks speakers
As the Mid-America Trucking Show is accepting speaker proposals for the 2027 Pro Talks Education Series, taking place March 18–20, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
MATS invites industry experts, thought leaders, and experienced professionals to share actionable insights that help trucking businesses navigate challenges, improve operations, and prepare for the future.
The Pro Talks Education Series provides a platform for industry experts to address the issues shaping trucking and equip attendees with practical knowledge they can apply to their businesses.
Proposed sessions may address topics including equipment, maintenance, government and regulations, business management, technology, and safety, with an emphasis on practical takeaways for owner-operators, fleet executives, maintenance professionals, and other trucking industry decision-makers.
MATS encourages proposals that prioritize education over promotion and deliver clear value to attendees. Presentations should offer actionable insights, informed perspectives, and strategies that professionals can put to work in their businesses.
The priority deadline for speaker proposals is Jan. 1. Proposals submitted after the priority deadline may be considered, but options for session day and time may be limited.
To learn more about the 2027 Pro Talks Education Series and submit a speaker proposal, visit https://truckingshow.com/call-for-speakers/.
ICYMI
Drivers rate fuel prices, parking, compensation as top issues of concern
Driver charged with DUI after loaded car hauler crashes in Arizona
Volvo & Waabi latest companies to bring autonomous deliveries to Texas
