What are the most transported goods in the USA?

Everything has a point of origin. The same goes for the shipping industry and the goods consumers can enjoy. Most goods move from the raw material stage, to manufacturing and processing, assembling, before being shipped to the consumer. But which goods are the most transported around the USA? 

The largest percentage of US freight is carried by trucks. Nearly every good consumed in America is transported by a truck at some point or another. In 2019 alone, the trucking industry hauled 72.5% of all freight transported in the United States, equating to 11.84 billion tons.

Automotive Goods

The automotive industry helps to keep the trucking industry alive, by landing in the top spot for most transported goods around the U.S. The automotive industry currently stands at a value of over $82 billion. It is one of the largest industries in the USA, and trucks and trailers aid in the movement of the vehicles from containers to the dealerships. 

Produce

Fresh foods and produce all require specific climate conditions in order to grow and flourish. That being said, the state that grows corn and wheat, won't necessarily be able to produce strawberries or coffee. Also, produce has to be transported across states daily by the tons. 

The produce industry is also one of the largest in the country, and worth more than $1.055 trillion annually. 

Building Materials

The construction industry creates nearly $1.4 trillion worth of structures each year! They contribute to the trucking industry by being the third most transported goods in the U.S. Consider how many construction sites you pass daily. New plazas, housing developments, factories. 

There’s always something new being built. It’s really no wonder they are in the top five! 

The Pulp and Paper industry

Though many other industries have taken the initiative to go paperless and digital, the pulp and paper industry is still booming. America is one of the largest consumers of paper worldwide, producing more than 70 million tons of paper and board every year. 

So while they may not be competing with the numbers being delivered by the automotive industry, it’s still very much alive and kicking. 

Clothing & Textiles

Wearing last season’s fashion into this season? No duh! If it’s one thing Americans enjoy, it’s being able to shop to accommodate the change of seasons and style. This is one of the reasons why the clothing and textile industry is the fifth most transported goods around the country.

The textile and apparel industry is a nearly $70 billion sector when measured by value of industry shipments. That new winter jacket or snow boots you’re currently wearing probably spent some considerable amount of time on a truck before landing in your hands. 

The textile industry has existed for hundreds of years and remains one of the most significant sectors in manufacturing to this day. 

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