Fleetowner 6699 Driver Window
Fleetowner 6699 Driver Window
Fleetowner 6699 Driver Window
Fleetowner 6699 Driver Window
Fleetowner 6699 Driver Window

Trucking gains 3,400 jobs in August

Sept. 6, 2016
For-hire trucking employment posted gains for the second consecutive month in August—but the summer increases still haven’t been enough to make up for big declines over the spring.

For-hire trucking employment posted gains for the second consecutive month in August—but the summer increases still haven’t been enough to make up for big declines over the spring.

Trucking added 3,400 jobs last month, according to the latest jobs report from the U.S. Dept. of Labor. Still, trucking has lost 5,900 jobs since the all-time high posted in January, and there are 700 fewer jobs than in August last year.

This comes as the overall U.S. economy added 151,000 jobs, slightly less than expected by economists and significantly lower than big gains in June and July . The national unemployment rate held at 4.9%, still running at levels last recorded in 2008.

The August gain puts the for-hire trucking total at 1.4597 million, that’s 222,600 (18%) more trucking jobs in August than were reported in March 2010, the low point in the economic downturn.

Collectively the transportation and warehousing jumped by 14,900 jobs in August, posting growth in most sectors, although water transportation employment was off slightly.

Gains in the broader economy occurred in food services and drinking places (+34,000), social assistance (+22,000), professional and technical services (+20,000), and health care (+14,000).

Employment in several other industries—including construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade, retail trade, temporary help services, and government—changed little over the month.

Employment in mining continued to trend down in August (-4,000). Since reaching a peak in September 2014, employment in mining has declined by 223,000, with losses concentrated in support activities for mining.

About the Author

Kevin Jones 1 | Editor

Kevin Jones has an odd fascination with the supply chain. As editor of American Trucker, he focuses on the critical role owner-ops and small fleets play in the economy, locally and globally. And he likes big trucks.

Sponsored Recommendations

Tackling the Tech Shortage: Lessons in Recruiting Talent and Reducing Turnover

Discover innovative strategies for recruiting and retaining tech talent in the trucking industry at our April 16th webinar, where experts will share insights on competitive pay...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

How Electric Vehicles Help You Prolong the Life of Your Fleet

Before adopting electric vehicles for commercial/government fleets, prioritize cost inquiries. Maintenance is essential; understand the upkeep of EV fleets. Here’s what you need...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!