The trucking industry in Canada employs over 300,000 people, this includes both drivers for-hire and drivers who are involved in private trucking activity. The trucking industry can be an appealing industry for men and women who are goal-orientated and like to work independently. Here we are going to explore some facts about the trucking industry in Canada and the United States.

1. Days in the truck can be long. Some drivers prefer to only drive in the daylight, so they are up early and stop for the day when the sun goes down. Some drivers prefer to drive through the night when there is less traffic. Depending on your delivery schedule you will likely be able to choose which you prefer, as long as you are still following company regulations.
2. The Canadian Trucking Alliance reports that in Canada, the trucking industry is worth approximately $65 billion with more than 260,000 drivers and over 400,000 employees overall. In the United States, the trucking industry generates approximately $650 billion in revenue each year. This is about 5% of America’s Gross Domestic Product (GPD).
3. In Canada, to avoid fatigue in drivers, there are laws in place which allow truck drivers to only drive 13 hours in a day with a required 8 hours off.
4. Trucking is a key trade enabler between Canada and the United States. More than 80% of all US exports to Canada are moved by truck.
5. Most long-haul truckers in Canada and the United States are paid by the mile. In some cases, short distance drivers, are paid hourly.
6. Almost everyone in society relies on the trucking industry in some way. This could be anything from online purchases being delivered to their doorstep to critical goods being delivered to businesses across Canada and the United States.
7. In the United States, most drivers cover about 125,000 miles a year. This equals about 500 miles a day.
8. Being a long-haul truck driver in the United States or Canada can give you a unique perspective.  While making a living you will have a chance to see all of the beautiful scenery that these countries have to offer.  
9. In some cases, truck drivers will have to be able to lift a minimum weight while loading/unloading the truck. This will vary depending on the job. This is something you will have to find out before you start the job and make sure you are physically able.
10. On average, truck drivers with little experience will be paid about $35,000 a year. After a year or two of experience drivers can expect about $45,000 to $55,000 a year. Truck drivers who haul oversized loads or hazardous materials can expect more.
11. The trucking industry continues to evolve and find strategies to improve the environmental effects gas emissions have. Diesel trucks today run much ‘cleaner’ than they did years ago. In fact, it would take 60 trucks today to equal the gas emissions from just one truck in 1988.
12. The top three transported goods in the United States are clothing, food, furniture.

If you are a truck driver or a family member of a truck driver reading this, tell us what else you want people to know about the trucking industry. Comment below and let us know!