Michigan Drivers Move Motor Freight

The Great Lake State, Michigan, borders four of the five Great Lakes, hence the crafty name.3 The state is widely known for its connection to the automotive industry, and Detroit is recognized as “The Car Capital of the World.”2 Automotive parts exports and major industries like manufacturing and agriculture open the freight doors for Michigan trucking.

Advocacy

The Michigan Trucking Association (MTA) promotes the interests of Michigan motor carriers. MTA members are privy to events and benefits like:

  • Truck driving championships
  • Training programs, and
  • National and State Regulatory Directives/Guidance

Freight Economy

Trucks move more freight domestically than any other form of transportation, generating about 5 percent of the American GDP.[9][6] Drivers in the state have ties to the automotive and technology industry.11 Truckers can expect to move the state’s top ten exports, including:

  • Automobiles
  • Motor vehicle body parts, accessories, and transmissions
  • Large spark-ignition engines

Access

Michigan has approximately 256,000 total lane miles of roadway, and all major cities in the region are easily accessible from the state. However, total interstate highway mileage is only 1,281. The state also has four major highways.

Work and Wages

Michigan has about 6335 total local truck driver jobs.

The average annual salary of a Michigan truck driver is approximately $52,282, and in May 2020, the BLS reported a median yearly salary of $47,130.

Truck drivers in the state can expect employment opportunities from companies like JB Hunt Transport or Transforce, Inc.