The American Trucking Association (ATA) announced that the freight industry has grown by 3% compared to 2018.
According to the ATA report, in 2019, the industry transported 11.84 billion tons of cargo, and in 2019 – 11.49. Income from freight transportation in 2019 amounted to $791.7 billion, which is 0.62% less than in 2018 ($797.7 billion).
ATA chief economist Bob Costello noted that the industry has entered into a global COVID-19 pandemic in good condition.
The report also shows how important cross-border freight is. Following the ratification of the Trade Agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, industry transported 67.7% of land cargo between the United States and Canada and 83.1% between the United States and Mexico for a total of $772 billion.
According to the US Trade Representative office, vehicles, electric cars, traditional cars, and mineral fuels were the four main items imported and exported across borders between the three countries. According to the report, about 16,000 trucks a day drive into the United States at both borders.
“As the economies of North America become more interconnected and global, the importance of freight in international trade will only increase,” the statement said.
In 2019, 7.95 million people were employed in the trucking industry, which is 140,000 more than in 2018.
Most carriers are small companies – 91.3% of the fleets operate a maximum of six trucks, and 97.4% – a maximum of 20.
Chris Spear, president of ATA, said the annual report reveals the importance of the freight industry.
