Pennsylvania is Among the Top States for Local Truck Drivers

One reason Pennsylvania is nicknamed “The Keystone State” is because of its key position in the economic, social, and political development of the United States.9 From the birth of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to Pittsburgh’s opening of the first automobile service station in 1913, Pennsylvania has been a pillar in the U.S. economy.

Not tailing too far behind Pennsylvania’s historical contributes, the trucking industry in the state has followed Pennsylvania’s pioneering spirit. The state is among the top picks for truck drivers.

Pennsylvania is also home to two of the U.S.’s major industries, petroleum, and steel. Truckers are essential to keeping up with the nation’s high demand for steel throughout the U.S.

Economy

Truckers generate about $650 billion a year or about 5 percent of the American GDP.

Primary products moved by Pennsylvania truckers include:

• Coal
• Liquified propane, and
• Palladium

Access

Pennsylvania is bordered by six states and has three major access ports .11 Roads and highways are the backbone of the state’s economy, allowing truckers to transport a significant portion of the $1.1 trillion worth of commodities shipped to and from the state annually.

With over 250,000 lane miles of roadway, truck drivers can take various routes across Pennsylvania. A few major roadways throughout the state include:

• I-76 from Beaver Township at Ohio border to Philadelphia
• I-83 from Shrewsbury to Harrisburg
• I-99 from Bedford to Bellafonte

Advocacy

The Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association (PMTA) fights to preserve and strengthen the trucking industry and its jobs in Pennsylvania.

The association provides key deliverables to its members, like:

• Delivering education and awareness programs
• Reporting industry news and trends
• Money-saving services
• Working with legislature and regulatory agencies, and
• Promoting safety

Work and Wages

There are more than 9 million American jobs in the trucking industry and about 15.5 million trucks operating on US roads and highways.7 In Pennsylvania, there are over 15,000 total local truck driver jobs.

Although the BLS reports 2020 national pay estimates for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers at $47,130 per year, average pay in Pennsylvania is $62,047.

Safety

The Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association has a Safety Management Council (SMC). The council is compromised of the following committees:

• Truck Driving Championships
• Industry & Public Relations
• Operations
• Recognition & Awards, including:
  • Fleet Safety
  • Driver of the Month and Year, and
  • Other special recognition and awards