Top Shipping Commodities by Fleet Drivers

Most Popular Products Fleet Trucks Carry

Last year, the United States Census Bureau reported that the U.S. shipments of goods in 2017 reached 12.5 billion tons equating to $14.5 trillion. Trucks as a single mode of transportation accounted for 70 percent, or roughly 8.8 billion tons ($10.4 trillion). Thanks to the pandemic, more people are staying indoors and shopping online – but what are they buying and asking truck drivers to haul? Here are the top five moving commodities that people are purchasing.

Clothing

Okay, I'm glad I am not the only one with a shopping addiction over here. If you thought of clothes first, then you were right! It makes sense, too. Clothes are easy to fold up in boxes and ship out to retail outlets around the nation. They are not as time sensitive as food items (not as fragile, either since they can be stacked on top of each other) and can be transported using a small, medium, or heavy-duty truck.

Produce, Meats and Other Groceries

Produce farmers, dairy farmers and butchers alike rely on semi-trucks to move their goods to grocery stores around the country – in a haste. Fleet vehicles house extra room for large amounts of produce and meats that can quickly get to their destination for our consumption.

Paper Goods

The real estate industry is booming, and although home prices have increased, home buyers are snatching up houses left and right. With that, more cardboard boxes are being made available in office supply stores for movers to purchase – thanks to truckers. Additionally, more wrapping paper and greeting cards are being delivered by freight trucks to home stores so individuals can still be a part of treasured celebrations – from a safe distance, of course.

Building Materials/Supplies

Yes, the housing market is not showing signs of slowing down anytime soon. With that, builders are working diligently to build single-family homes and townhouses in planned communities as quickly as possible. Because of this, there is an increased need for construction materials, and who best to deliver them? Truck drivers that can easily move heavy-load building supplies on a flatbed truck or tractor trailer.

Cars, SUVs and Trucks

Ever get googly-eyed watching a freight truck pass by carrying a full load of Corvettes? (It can't be just me.) That's because vehicle manufactures spend mega bucks to transport vehicles to local car dealerships. As more people use car-buying websites to buy cars online, the need for freight truck deliveries becomes more urgent.

How Much Is the Trucking Industry Worth?

In 2021, experts expected the trucking industry to reach $212 billion, and while not yet confirmed, I predict the numbers surpassed expectations thanks to more folks buying goods on the web.

If you are thinking about a career in trucking, this may be a good time to get your CDL license and become part of a 3.5-million-person team responsible for hauling foods, retail, building parts and more.