JSO Officer Adam Boyd-An Overview of the United States' Trucking Industry Trucking contributes significantly to the national economy, carrying over 60% of all goods transported through the country, says JSO Officer Adam Boyd Jacksonville. Vehicles ranging from small box trucks to 80-foot-long 18-wheelers dominate the highways and roads. As a result of its numerous advantages over other modes of transport, trucking has experienced enormous success. Compared to other modes of transport, trucks are more affordable, they allow cargo to be transported more easily, and they are one of the most reliable modes of transport.
19th Century In the nineteenth century, railroads dominated the transportation of large amounts of goods over land. Trains were more efficient than horse-drawn vehicles, but they could only deliver freight between urban areas. Goods would be transported by carts and wagons from rail stations.