How Many Truck Drivers Are in the US?

Truck drivers are the backbone of the American supply chain. From food and retail products to construction materials and industrial equipment, nearly every industry depends on trucking to move goods across the country.

But exactly how many truck drivers are in the US?

The answer depends on how truck drivers are counted. Some statistics focus only on heavy and tractor-trailer drivers, while others include delivery drivers, owner-operators, and drivers working in specialized transportation sectors.

In this guide, we’ll break down the latest numbers, explain how truck driver employment is measured, and look at what the future holds for the profession.

How Many Truck Drivers Are in the United States?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were approximately 2.24 million heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers employed in the United States in 2024. This category includes most CDL Class A drivers operating semi-trucks and tractor-trailers.

When people ask, “How many truck drivers are in the US?”, this is usually the number being referenced because it covers the nation’s primary long-haul and freight-hauling workforce.

However, the broader trucking industry supports millions of additional workers, including:

• Local delivery drivers
• Box truck drivers
• Owner-operators
• Dispatchers
• Mechanics
• Logistics professionals
• Warehouse workers

The trucking industry as a whole supports millions of jobs throughout the U.S. economy.

How Many CDL Drivers Are There in the US?

The number of people who hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is larger than the number actively working as truck drivers.

Many CDL holders work in:

• Trucking
• Construction
• Public transit
• Utility services
• Agriculture
• Emergency response

Others maintain their CDL even when they are not actively driving commercially.

As a result, the total CDL-holder population exceeds the number of full-time truck drivers employed in the freight transportation sector.

What Percentage of Americans Are Truck Drivers?

With approximately 2.24 million heavy truck drivers and a U.S. population exceeding 340 million, truck drivers account for roughly 0.6% of the nation’s population.

While that percentage may seem small, truck drivers move the majority of freight transported across the United States.

Without professional drivers, stores, warehouses, factories, hospitals, and construction sites would quickly experience supply shortages.

Which States Have the Most Truck Drivers?

Truck driver employment is concentrated in states with:

• Large populations
• Major freight corridors
• Distribution centers
• Manufacturing hubs
• Ports and intermodal facilities

States that typically rank among the largest trucking employment markets include:

• Texas
• California
• Florida
• Pennsylvania
• Ohio
• Illinois
• New Jersey

These states serve as critical links in national and international supply chains.

How Many New Truck Drivers Enter the Industry Each Year?

The trucking workforce experiences significant turnover due to:

• Retirement
• Career changes
• Industry growth
• Driver demand

According to BLS projections, about 237,600 job openings for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers are expected annually over the next decade. Many of these openings will result from replacing retiring or departing workers.

This creates opportunities for individuals interested in earning a CDL and entering the trucking industry.

Is There a Truck Driver Shortage?

The trucking industry frequently discusses driver shortages, although experts often debate whether the issue is a true shortage of drivers or a shortage of drivers willing to work under certain conditions.

Factors commonly affecting driver availability include:

• Driver retirement
• Long hours
• Lifestyle demands
• Freight market cycles
• Compensation
• Driver retention

Regardless of how the issue is defined, many carriers continue to recruit new drivers and invest in training programs.

How Fast Is Truck Driver Employment Growing?

The outlook for truck drivers remains positive.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers to grow 4% between 2024 and 2034, roughly in line with the average growth rate for all occupations.

Several factors support continued demand:

Growing Freight Volumes

As consumers and businesses purchase more goods, freight transportation remains essential.

E-Commerce Expansion

Online shopping has increased demand for freight movement and regional distribution networks.

Supply Chain Demand

Manufacturers, retailers, and logistics providers continue to rely heavily on trucking.

Replacement Hiring

A large portion of future hiring will come from replacing retiring drivers.

How Many Truck Drivers Are Owner-Operators?

A significant portion of truck drivers operate as independent owner-operators.

These drivers either own or lease their trucks and run their own businesses, often contracting directly with carriers, brokers, or shippers.

Owner-operators play a major role in freight transportation and provide flexibility throughout the supply chain.

Will Self-Driving Trucks Replace Truck Drivers?

One of the most common questions about the future of trucking is whether autonomous trucks will eliminate trucking jobs.

While self-driving technology continues to develop, most industry experts expect truck drivers to remain essential for many years.

Challenges include:

• Complex traffic environments
• Weather conditions
• Loading and unloading responsibilities
• Safety requirements
• Regulatory approval

For the foreseeable future, demand for qualified CDL drivers remains strong across many freight sectors.

Why Truck Drivers Are Essential to the Economy

Truck drivers perform one of the most important jobs in America.

They transport:

• Food and beverages
• Medical supplies
• Consumer goods
• Construction materials
• Industrial equipment
• Raw materials

Nearly every product purchased by consumers spends at least part of its journey on a truck.

Without professional drivers, supply chains would struggle to function efficiently.