Small businesses continue to make up the bulk of the U.S. trucking industry, according to the American Trucking Associations’ newly released American Trucking Trends 2026. The annual report found that 91.1% of carriers operate 10 or fewer trucks, while 99.2% operate fewer than 100 power units.

The report also shows growth in freight tonnage and industry revenue in 2025. Trucks hauled 11.46 billion tons of freight, up from 11.27 billion tons in 2024, while industry revenue increased to $936.4 billion from $906 billion.

“The latest figures show areas of improvement, including modest growth in freight tonnage and industry revenue. But those gains must be viewed in the context of fierce economic headwinds, as motor carriers continue to contend with escalating operational costs and la rgely uneven freight volumes,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello.

Trucking Employment and Cross-Border Trade

Trucking employed 8.5 million people in industry-related jobs in 2025, including 3.45 million professional drivers. Trucks also moved 68% of surface trade between the U.S. and Canada and 86% of goods across the Mexican border.

The 2026 edition includes additional data on household goods movements and the broader economy. ATA publishes the report annually to provide industry data for business planning and policy discussions.

“Reliable data is one of the most powerful tools we have to tell trucking’s story and demonstrate our industry’s indispensable role in the economy,” said ATA Chief Advocacy & Public Affairs Officer Henry Hanscom.

American Trucking Trends 2026 is available for purchase through ATA Business Solutions.