Survey: Best, worst states for trucking

The trucking business is booming, but some truckers are doing better—much better—than others in seeking their piece of the $700 billion pie. And the business has become particularly more challenging for small carriers as new equipment costs (up 60% since 2008) and regulatory overhead have soared, notes alternative financing organization Merchant Cash USA.

So the company surveyed 3,287 individuals involved in the trucking industry, through an email and social media campaign to find out where they thought the best and the worst states to be a trucker or own a trucking company were. The survey included asking questions such as cost of parking overnight, certain fees/regulations in particular states, if location in the U.S. mattered, and how friendly states were to drivers.

“Without small trucking companies, cost of shipping could possibly raise throughout the U.S.,” the report says. “The economy needs small businesses, especially in the shipping area, to succeed.”

Of course, it’s not easy to move a business—but if you’re thinking about starting a trucking company of your own, the survey results might help make up your mind.

Best States to Own a Small Trucking Company or Be a Driver (based on data of 3,287)

1. Tennessee
2. Washington
3. Oklahoma
4. Texas
5. Indiana

Worst States to Own a Small Trucking Company or Be a Driver (based on data of 3,287)

1. California
2. Virginia
3. Ohio
4. New Jersey
5. Massachusetts