The commercial trucking industry is unique in that it is positively impacted by growth in nearly any other segment of the United States economy. Whether it is construction, manufacturing or railroads, any growth tends to directly benefit the commercial trucking sector.
A recent report shows that two of the nation’s biggest freight railroads are showing growth.
You might think that a growing railroad industry would be bad for trucks, assuming the two compete with one another. However, commercial trucks transport the vast majority of all freight, and the more freight that is shipped on trains means the more trucks that will need to complete the haul after it arrives as a train freight terminal.
Union Pacific Corp. has reported that its first-quarter net income jumped 35 percent as it hauled more cars and crude oil. The other largest railroad company in the United States, CSX also reported that its net income increased 14 percent. Both railroads were hauling more containers of consumer goods and both were able to increase rates enough to offset a decline in coal shipments after a mild winter.
“The economy is stable and slowly growing,” Jack Koraleski, Union Pacific’s president and CEO, said in a Bloomberg BusinessWeek article. “We’re seeing some generally positive trends.”
Many people will be encouraged by the reports because the major freight railroads are considered indicators of the nation’s economic health. However, the biggest indicator of the nation’s economic growth is the commercial trucking industry, which has been steadily growing for several years. Together, the railroad industry and trucking sector are giving economists signs of hope that the larger economy is showing real signs of growth.
The more goods that are shipped in the country via other methods means the more business there is for commercial trucks. Trucks are the only form of shipping that can make pickups and drop-offs in virtually any location throughout the country. Airplanes, boats and trains are limited to specific routes, but commercial trucks can ship goods to remote locations and are more flexible. The more freight that arrives on trains, airplanes and boats means the more work there will be for trucks to complete the final leg of the journey.
With so much positive news for the trucking industry now may be the perfect time to consider a career as a professional truck driver. The demand for drivers has never been bigger and carriers all across the nation are desperate to higher professionally trained drivers who have completed a training program like Diesel Driving Academy. If you are seeking a career change and looking for a profession that can offer stability and a bright future, the commercial trucking industry may be just what you are looking for, especially with continued reports of growth.
