Research 2026
Trucking Operations Benchmark Pack 2026
Give small carriers a concise, sourced baseline for fuel, pay, and safety reviews. Verified against 3 primary federal sources on July 29, 2026.
Verified 2026-08-01 | 3 primary sources
Research intent
Audience: small carrier owners. Search intent: current benchmark research. Reader outcome: a cited table that can be copied into an operating review.
Industry evidence
"America's truck drivers have been on the frontlines of this pandemic, delivering goods to every corner of this country. We're grateful for their work, and today we're taking action to support them so we can build a more resilient trucking workforce that will keep our economy moving."
Official 2023 trucking statistic: Trucks moved $996.4 billion of freight across the U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico in 2023, up 5.2% compared to 2022. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics: 2023 North American Transborder Freight Numbers
Sources and methodology
Values are transcribed from the named federal release. Calculated values are labeled. No survey estimates or LogisticsTrucks customer data are mixed into the source figures.
- Weekly Retail On-Highway Diesel Prices
U.S. Energy Information Administration | Accessed 2026-08-01
- May 2025 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Accessed 2026-08-01
- 2024 Pocket Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration | Accessed 2026-08-01
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers employed
Mean hourly wage
Mean annual wage
Median hourly wage
Light truck drivers employed
Verified benchmark table
| Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers employed | 2,062,040 |
| Mean hourly wage | $28.71 |
| Mean annual wage | $59,710 |
| Median hourly wage | $28.19 |
Operating comparison table
| Light truck drivers employed | 983,300 |
| Light truck driver mean hourly wage | $23.45 |
| Light truck driver mean annual wage | $48,770 |
| Heavy-driver annual pay premium | $10,940, calculated from BLS means |
Research record
| Verification date | 2026-08-01 |
| Source count | 3 |
| Batch position | 16 of 16 |
| Data policy | Primary public sources; calculations labeled |
What This Means For Your Operation
The data shows that logistics companies face significant staffing costs and operational challenges.
Strategic use of virtual assistants can reduce overhead 30-50% while improving operational quality.
The companies winning in today's market are those outsourcing non-core functions strategically.
Pro Tip
Document the current workflow and one measurable baseline before changing it. A clear starting point makes it easier to verify whether the new process saves time, lowers cost, or improves service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was this report verified?
The source links and displayed figures were checked on July 29, 2026.
Can I reuse the table?
Yes. Keep the source name, measurement date, and any calculation label with the figures.
Is this a forecast?
No. The report presents published observations and clearly identified calculations.
How should an operator use it?
Use it as a national benchmark for small carrier owners, then compare it with lane, fleet, and payroll records.
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