7 Biggest Trucking Industry Trends For 2019
Are current trucking industry trends changing the way businesses operate? The short answer is yes. Whether you are an owner-operator or manage a growing fleet, understanding semi-truck industry trends can help you stay competitive, reduce risk, and plan for long-term growth.
Taking time to analyze trucking trends allows you to focus on scaling your business instead of constantly reacting to market changes. When you stay ahead of transportation industry trends, day-to-day operations run more smoothly—and opportunities become easier to spot.
Top Trucking Industry Updates of 2019
During a recent National Leasing meeting, Senior Vice President Rob Garcia shared insight into emerging American trucking industry trends. Overall, trucking trends in 2019 were shaped by three main forces:
- Market volatility
- Regulatory and political changes
- Rapid advancements in trucking technology
Below are the most impactful trucking industry trends of 2019.
Last-Mile Delivery Growth
E-commerce and omnichannel retail have dramatically changed freight patterns. One of the biggest trucking trends in 2019 was the rapid growth of last-mile delivery.
Last-mile delivery refers to transporting goods from a distribution hub to the final customer destination. The primary focus is speed—getting products delivered as quickly as possible.
As online ordering continues to grow, retailers are looking beyond traditional carriers such as FedEx, UPS, and USPS, which do not serve all geographic areas. This has created new opportunities for independent drivers and regional transportation companies.
Major retailers, including Amazon, began actively recruiting smaller fleets and new transportation partners to meet increasing delivery demand. As consumer expectations for faster shipping rise, last-mile delivery continues to play a larger role in the trucking industry.
Changes in Trucking Industry Legislation
Several regulatory developments influenced trucking in 2019.
One proposed regulation would require underride guards on the front of trucks and along trailer sides. While this legislation was under review, it highlighted an increased focus on safety standards.
Additionally, the FMCSA approved regulations allowing mirrorless trucks. Technologies such as MirrorEye replace traditional side and rearview mirrors with high-resolution camera systems. These systems improve driver visibility, reduce blind spots, and enhance overall safety.
Mirrorless trucks also offer aerodynamic benefits. By eliminating side mirrors, fleets can reduce drag, improving fuel efficiency by an estimated 2–3%. Fleet testing in Europe showed fuel savings of two to three percent annually.
Truck Emissions Regulations
Environmental regulations continued to shape trucking trends in 2019.
Heavy-duty trucks emit an estimated 530 million tons of carbon dioxide annually. To reduce emissions, lawmakers introduced phased standards requiring:
- 1.8% emissions reduction by 2021
- 4.2% emissions reduction by 2024
- 25% reduction in emissions and fuel consumption by 2027
These regulations encouraged manufacturers and fleets to invest in more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly equipment.
Maintenance and Parts Industry Shifts
Another trucking industry trend in 2019 was the expansion of non-OEM maintenance and parts networks.
As EPA-compliant trucks became more complex, fleets began sourcing parts and maintenance services outside traditional OEM channels. Secondary service networks emerged to provide affordable replacement parts and specialized maintenance solutions, helping fleets reduce downtime and control costs.
Alternative Fuel Adoption
Fuel alternatives gained momentum in 2019, particularly electric vehicles.
Electric truck technology advanced rapidly, with local and regional fleets beginning to adopt electric trucks for routes under 100 miles. While long-haul electric trucking remained limited, improvements in battery range and charging infrastructure signaled growing future impact.
As electric vehicle technology evolves, alternative fuel trucks are expected to play an increasingly important role in the trucking industry.
Ongoing Truck Driver Shortage
One of the most significant trucking challenges in 2019 was the truck driver shortage.
By the end of 2018, the industry faced a shortage of more than 60,000 drivers, up from just 10,000 earlier that year. Projections indicated the shortage could exceed 160,000 drivers over the next decade.
While the shortage created operational challenges, it also led to higher wages. Driver pay increased approximately 25% over several years, making trucking careers more competitive and attractive.
For entrepreneurs considering starting or expanding a trucking business, strong driver demand made 2019 a favorable time to enter the industry.
Final Thoughts on Trucking Industry Trends
Trucking industry trends continue to evolve, influenced by technology, regulation, and market demand. While change is constant, access to reliable financing remains critical.
TopMark Funding helps trucking businesses secure competitive semi-truck financing solutions—even for first-time buyers. No matter how industry trends shift, our commitment to helping businesses grow remains consistent.
If you’re ready to invest in new or used equipment and want financing partners who understand the trucking industry, reach out today.
