Oregon’s Trailblazers aren’t just ballplayers—Some are Truckers!

Oregon is known for several things, from being home to one of the oldest and longest land routes used during the western expansion to the stomping ground of the NBA’s Portland Trailblazers.

Some people may view truck drivers as simple interstate commodity transport technicians. But truckers don’t just haul goods. They’re the pioneering spirits that brave the highways at night, follow set paths, and create new ones when they must—all to get the goods there on time.

When you think of Oregon’s trailblazers from now on, toss our big rig drivers. We’re all but certain that some of those paths to Oregon’s economic success wouldn’t have been possible if a trucker hadn’t ventured through the 162,101 total lane miles in the state.

Economy

Trucking carries nearly 75% of all freight in the Portland, OR metro area. Top commodities shipped by Oregon truckers between October 2018 and September 2019 included:

By Value:

• Vehicles
• Electrical Machinery
• Computer Parts

By Weight:

• Salt; Sulfur; Plaster and Cement
• Iron and Steel
• Vehicles

On average, a long-haul truck driver logs about 2,000 to 3,000 miles weekly.9 In 2012, truckers hauled about 72% of the state’s transportation system’s $300 billion worth of goods. That was more than the entire state’s GDP of $204 billion.

Although the state does not have sales tax, Oregon is the most expensive state to operate a heavy commercial vehicle for trucking-specific taxes.

Advocacy

Oregon Trucking Associations (OTA) has dedicated over 80 years to educating, influencing, promoting, and advocating on behalf of the state’s trucking industry.

OTA comprises motor carrier members and allied partners. Its core functions include:

• Advocacy
• Education
• Networking
• Member Benefits
• Industry Image

The association promotes and hosts events such as safety conferences, annual conventions, a Supertech competition, maintenance fair, trucking industry mixers, and more.

Work and Wages

As of 2013, there were 18,316 truck driving jobs in Oregon.1 By 2017, about 92,620 people were employed in trucking industry jobs.1 In 2018, the trucking industry employed 7.4 million Americans — 5.8% of the 129 million full-time jobs in America that year.

The BLS reports 2020 national pay estimates for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers at $47,130 per year ($22.66/hr.)

Safety

OTA’s Safety Management Council (SMC) serves, promotes, and creates value for members and the industry. It is dedicated to advancing safe policies, practices and technology, and effective risk management in the trucking industry.