Truck transport employment remained unchanged in December, marking the lowest level since 2021

Truck Transportation Employment Hits Lowest Point Since 2021

In both November and December, the number of truck transportation jobs in the United States remained unchanged, marking the lowest level seen in over four years.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, December recorded 1,513,300 positions in truck transportation. After revising November’s figures upward by 3,900 jobs, both months ended with identical employment numbers.

This total is the smallest since July 2021, when there were 1,514,600 jobs in the sector.

With an upward revision of 2,400 jobs for October, the data now shows a decrease of 3,100 jobs between October and December.

Although the monthly fluctuations in trucking employment have been relatively minor, the overall trend continues to point downward, even if the pace of decline is not dramatic.

Since early 2024, truck transportation employment has dropped in 16 out of 24 months, resulting in a net loss of 21,300 jobs by December 2023.

March 2025 was the only month to see a significant increase, adding 8,000 jobs. However, an equivalent drop occurred in September, and combined with other monthly decreases, employment is now 10,800 jobs below the September figure.

Warehouse Employment Continues to Slide

Warehouse jobs saw another decline in January, with 7,200 positions lost. Over the past six months, the sector has shed 38,200 jobs. The current total stands at 1,791,500 warehouse workers, which is 151,600 fewer than the record high set in March 2022.

Industry Insights and Sector Trends

Mazen Danaf, an economist at Uber Freight, analyzed recent data for specific segments like less-than-truckload and long-haul trucking. He noted, “While overall trucking employment held steady in December, the long-distance truckload segment has continued its two-year decline in workforce. This ongoing reduction in capacity has been a key factor behind the gradual tightening of the market over the past two years. December’s seasonal surge in demand led to notable increases in spot rates.”

David Spencer, vice president of market intelligence at Arrive Logistics, linked the employment stability to rising truckload spot rates. He explained that the uptick likely provided a boost to the trucking industry, helping maintain employment levels throughout the month. Job losses from October and November were revised downward, suggesting fewer drivers exited the industry than initially thought, but employment remains at its lowest since the pandemic disruptions eased.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Trucking Jobs?

Spencer added, “The sharp improvement in truckload rates in December may prompt carriers to take a wait-and-see approach regarding hiring this year. However, if seasonal demand slows in the first quarter, their patience could be tested. Sustained tight market conditions might encourage new hiring, but that is unlikely unless higher rates persist beyond the usual early January peak.”

Broader Labor Market Context

The latest employment report, which showed a modest job increase and a slight dip in the unemployment rate, led independent economist Aaron Terrazas to comment that lingering inflation concerns may slow discussions about future interest rate cuts. “The headline figures suggest a labor market that is roughly in equilibrium,” he observed.

The January report, reflecting December data, is the final release for the current base model.

Additional Highlights

• Rail Transportation: Rail jobs increased by 700 to reach 151,000, the largest gain since November 2024. This is only the second month in 2025 to see growth in rail employment. The sector’s recent high was 157,900 jobs in April 2024, making the current figure 6,900 jobs lower.
• Wages: Average hourly earnings for production and non-supervisory truck transportation workers reached a record $31.75 in November (the latest available data). Over the past year, wages have risen by $1.65 per hour, though monthly increases are not consistent.