DES MOINES (January 23, 2019) — According to new data released by The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) and The Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation (IMCF), the Iowa trucking industry pays over $4.3 billion in wages to employees each year. With 98,540 trucking jobs in Iowa, that amounts to an average annual salary of almost $44,000 per each individual working in the industry. One in every 13 jobs in Iowa are in the trucking industry. "These numbers prove once again what the hard-working men and women in the industry already know; the trucking industry provides good-paying jobs and great career opportunities," said Iowa Motor Truck Association President Brenda Neville. The Iowa Motor Truck Association represents almost 700-member companies and Neville estimates that every one of those companies are in need of employees. "While truck drivers are always needed, there is also a need for mechanics and a variety of office jobs such as accounting, safety, and administrative support," said Neville. "The folks that work in the trucking industry recognize that the industry is the backbone of the economy," she said. To illustrate this importance, Neville cites the data from ATRI and IMCF that shows 73% of the total manufactured tonnage transported in Iowa is done exclusively by trucks, and almost 70% of Iowa communities are also served exclusively by trucks to move and deliver the products that are needed daily. "Trucks are the lifeline to many communities, and delivering the products in a safe and professional manner is always a top priority. All Iowans depend upon trucks. Essentially everything we buy was at some point on a truck and that is an important point that should never be forgotten. There is a tremendous responsibility required to move this state and nation and the dedicated, smart, hard working men and women who proudly work in the trucking industry enthusiastically embrace that responsibility." added Neville. -30- About Iowa Motor Truck Association:
The Iowa Motor Truck Association was established in 1942 and has been the voice of the Iowa trucking industry for over 75 years. The Association represents almost 700 trucking companies and suppliers of all sizes employing thousands of people throughout the State of Iowa. For more information, please visit www.iowamotortruck.com. About Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation:
Established in 1986, the Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation provides valuable support to Iowa's trucking industry through its efforts in research, image programs, education, outreach, and scholarships. The Foundation is committed to moving the industry forward with innovative, thoughtful, and comprehensive efforts that highlight the value of trucking in Iowa and across the nation.
