We're still reflecting on our recent open house where we had several industry associations come out to set up a table, hand out materials on their business, and network with attendees. We are thankful for all of these connections we have and appreciate the time they took time to attend and set up a table to network with others at our open house. 

One of the industry associations who had a table set up was The Kentucky Trucking Association, of which we are proud members of. Melissa Zink, Director of Communications was present and discussed how important the trucking industry is in Kentucky. These are some of the interesting facts about the current state of the industry and where it is headed, which is only up from here. 

The Kentucky Trucking Industry 

Self-driving trucks might be cool, but the data just isn't there yet to support them taking over the entire industry. We will rely on competent truck drivers for the foreseeable future and the market for trucking continues to ramp up. 

The official publication of the Kentucky Trucking Association, Kentucky Trucker, states that "the good news for carriers is that all economic indicators show the freight market is only going to continue to improve."

Kentucky Trucking Fast Facts:     

• Trucks make up only 10% of vehicle miles traveled in the state, but the industry paid 42% of all taxes owed by Kentucky motorists. 
• $642 million was the amount the trucking industry in Kentucky paid in federal and state roadway taxes.
• Trucks drove only 5.0 billion miles on public roads whereas all other motorists drove 48.7 billion miles on public roads in 2015.

Green statistics: 

• New diesel truck engines produce 98% fewer particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions than engines manufactured prior to 1990. 
• Sulfur emissions from diesel engines have also been reduced by 97% since 1999. 
• Trucks accounted for just 17% of the total highway transportation fuel consumption 

No matter your fleet size, when you partner with the Kentucky Trucking Association you can count on them for legislative and regulatory leadership, solutions to compliance and other business issues, and as a member-driven organization, you will have an opportunity to shape the course of Kentucky's trucking industry.