The freight industry keeps the world moving, but many people don’t understand what goes into the job. It’s not as simple as hiring a driver, getting a truck, loading it, and sending it to its destination. A lot of work goes into making sure freight gets from point A to point B. The product needs to be sourced, brought to a facility or factory, and then distributed from there. Without logistics, the product would never be able to leave where it began.
Here are a few fascinating facts about the world of freight.
1. Logistics Keeps the World Moving
Without the logistics industry, the global supply chain would begin to collapse. Without freight, there’s no way for raw materials to be brought to factories and then to stores worldwide. Logistics helps keep businesses running smoothly all over the world.
2. Millions of Tons of Freight Are Moved Daily
In the United States, over 55.5 million tons of freight were moved daily in 2023. Yearly, it equates to moving roughly 20.2 billion tons. Globally, several trillion tons of freight are moved yearly to over 60 countries.
3. The Freight Industry is Moving Towards a More Environmentally Friendly Future
Super-clean diesel has been created to reduce the emissions created by semi-trucks. Emissions from roughly 60 of today’s semi-trucks equal the emissions of one semi-truck in the 1980’s. Companies are also investing in electric trucks to try and cut emissions completely.
4. Over 80% of International Freight is Moved by Ocean
Countries all over the world use sea freight due to it costing less than air transport and having the ability to handle more cargo over a greater distance. Air transport is starting to be used more frequently for less volatile and heavy goods, however. For now, sea freight reigns supreme globally.
5. Various Goods Are Shipped Every Day
The most common types of goods shipped throughout the United States include electronics, clothing, household goods, food, and machinery. Over 90% of the food and clothes we buy at the store were brought there by the logistics industry.
6. Trucking Dominates
Trucking is the most commonly used mode of transportation of freight in the United States. Nationally, there are over 3 million truck drivers who move roughly 70% of the country’s freight. An individual truck driver covers over 100,000 miles annually if working long-haul, while the number shrinks to around 80,000 if working only on shorter distances.
Very few people notice the international shipping industry, but without it we wouldn’t have many of the goods we enjoy every day. Nationally and internationally, logistics companies and truck drivers help keep our economy moving. There are plenty of things we don’t think about as we try on a new outfit, buy vegetables, or test out a new laptop. Hundreds of people covered thousands of miles to get everyday products to your stores.
At FreightCenter, we’re happy to help keep things moving. We work with hundreds of national and international carriers to get your freight to where it needs to be. You can get an instant quote anytime with our online quote tool or speak to one of our expert agents at (800) 716-7608.
