An often overlooked facet of the trucking industry is how truckers interact and connect with the supply chain. Trucking and the supply chain are two sides of the same coin, though, and neither can exist in its most productive form without the other in the U.S. While this relationship has not always been an easy one, it is still important to understand that the two go hand in hand.
Many consumers don’t realize that the supply chain depends on the trucking industry. As long as their goods are received in their expected condition and within an expected timeframe, the receiver pays little attention to who delivers the product. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, “as many remember, 2020 through 2022 saw high volatility for truckers” as it pertained to their role in the supply chain. Even though the trucking industry stayed on the frontline during the pandemic, delivering much needed groceries and medical supplies, drivers felt an incredible amount of pressure during that time. That is when a spotlight was placed on the relationship between truck drivers and the supply chain, and this is what the LZBlog is exploring today.
Where does trucking fit into the supply chain?
According to Trucking.org, America’s truck drivers move 10.23 billion tons of freight every year. That is 72.5% of all freight that is brought into the U.S.!
How do trucking and supply chains fit together, though? Starting off, DAT.com states it as “supply chains are systems that allow for the global flow of commerce. They connect organizations to producers…” Put simply, the supply chains provide trucking companies with goods to transport from one place to another. There are three main components to supply chains. The first is the purchasing side. This is where companies purchase the materials needed for the next part, the manufacturing portion. Once goods are manufactured, then they need the third component, transportation to the retailer or directly to the consumer. Each facet of the supply chain needs trucking to exist. From delivering the raw materials to manufacturers, to delivering the completed products, the trucking industry fits fairly seamlessly into the supply chain. While many products in America are made overseas, once they are delivered to one of the many U.S. ports, they still need to be taken by truck to their next location.
After several years of volatility due to COVID-19, 2024 saw further evolution in the supply chain sectors. Continued growth in retail markets required growth in the supply chains too, which also boosted employment in the trucking industry. When last year came to a close, many experts saw positive shifts, with freight moving out of ports at higher percentages than recent years. Dean Croke, principal analyst at DAT Freight and Analytics argues that with the several cuts in interest rates there is a possibility for an economic stimulus. This positive outlook continued into early 2025, but it has recently taken a hit with the ever-growing threat of trade wars with American trading partners, particularly Mexico, Canada, and China. As the stock market reels from the back and forth of the potential presidential tariffs and the now looming threat of a recession, however, the trucking industry and the supply chains still continue forward while hoping for the best.
“I’m goin’ to pop some tags, only got $20 in my pocket…”
The idea of another recession is giving many trucking companies some hesitation when it comes to hiring new drivers. At this point, the concern is that, with many goods from overseas being over-taxed, the supply chain will begin to constrict. After that, the trucking industry will suffer cutbacks as well. Since “the main job of a truck driver is to transport goods efficiently and effectively to ensure products get from one place to another,” there has to be goods for them to transport. “Inventory management continues to be a major concern… in 2025.” This includes potential disruptions at ports and the volatile situation of demand. These things can determine whether the supply chain and truck driving will continue to move upward, or if the sectors will be hit hard by the future.
For some, the only way to put these fears to rest is to find a solution that fits both truck drivers and the supply chain management. Some of the ideas being presented include small and midsize manufacturers bringing their overseas production back to the U.S., which will allow the trucking companies and supply chains to become a purely domestic partnership. However, while this seems like an ideal solution to the problem, unlike their larger manufacturing counterparts, it is difficult for smaller businesses to come up with the spare capital to build domestic factories and means of production.
Conclusion
For now, both the trucking industry and the supply chains seem to be holding their breath and waiting to see what happens next. The tariffs on American trading partners have been delayed twice, so far, in 2025, and there is no guarantee that they will take effect next month as promised. As everyone waits to see what will happen next, hopefully, the consumer will remember that it takes two to bring them the products they want and need: the truck drivers who deliver the goods, and the supply chain that allows for that to happen.
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Meaghan Goldberg covers recruitment and digital marketing for Lionzone. A Patterson, GA native, after graduating from both Valdosta State University and Middle Tennessee State University, Meaghan joined Lionzone in 2018 as a digital recruitment strategist before becoming the social media manager.
Resources:
https://www.plantemoran.com/explore-our-thinking/insight/2023/03/top-supply-chain-issues-ranked
https://www.cdljobs.com/news-notes/news/2025-trucking-industry-forecast
https://www.trucking.org/supplychain
https://www.dat.com/resources/supply-chain-trucking-101
https://www.realtrucking.com/blog/the-role-of-trucking-in-the-supply-chain-worldwide
