Truckers Race to the Freight in Indiana

For truck drivers, Indiana’s motto, “Cross Roads of America” is perhaps one of the most befitting of all the U.S. states. The state has 202,707 total lane miles.[5][13]. Today more major highways intersect in Indiana than in any other state.

Although Indiana is known for its farmland and agriculture, it also has several professional sports teams and hosts the Indianapolis 500.

At the race, the average speed is over 167 mph, and the prize is more than $1.2 million.3 But before truckers get a gleam in their eyes, they should remember that big rigs aren’t allowed on the tracks!

Advocacy & Safety

The Indiana Motor Truck Association’s (IMTA) mission is “To serve, represent, and promote the interests of the trucking industry by enhancing its image, efficiency, and productivity through focus on safety and advocacy.”

The association’s Safety and Maintenance Council (SMC) provides membership to enhance current and future safety and maintenance processes and recognize members for outstanding safety and maintenance achievements.

Freight Economics

Major industries in Indiana include auto, life sciences, transportation, IT, research, and design.13 Trucks moved almost 11 billion tons of freight in 2017 alone, and at the time, the trucking industry generated over $700 billion.

Some economic planners estimate that total freight tonnage will grow to 20.6 billion tons by 2030, and U.S. trucking revenues will total over $1 Trillion.

Work and Wages

On average, a professional long-haul trucker logs more than 100,000 miles every year.

In May 2020, the BLS reported a median annual salary of $47,130 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.

There are roughly 9,764 local truck driver jobs in Indiana, and the state’s average yearly salary for drivers is around $54,338.