Best and Worst States for Trucking Industry in 2016

Merchant Cash USA, an alternative finance business lender, surveyed individuals involved in the trucking industry, to compile a list of the best and worst places in the U.S. to own a trucking company or drive a truck in.

Las Vegas, NV – January 19, 2016

The trucking industry in the United States is booming. As an increase of goods is demanded across the country, drivers are picking up and heading to the highway. Nearly 500,000 for-hire fleets are on the road today, and that number is steadily increasing each year.

The trucking industry has grown to make over $700 billion last year alone, an industry record, but hiring new drivers and equipment costs have become increasingly difficult for smaller owned trucking industries. Companies have been forced to raise pay, offer signing bonuses and new government regulations cap emissions and limit driver hours -- adding to growing expenses. Buying a new truck now costs 60% more than it did in 2008. Getting new equipment and personnel are two luxuries that many small companies cannot afford.

Small to medium sized trucking companies are having a hard time adapting to new regulations. They do not have the cash reserves that many larger corporations have to help with hiring or if an emergency occurs. Without small trucking companies, cost of shipping could possibly raise throughout the U.S. The economy needs small businesses, especially in the shipping area, to succeed.

Alternative financing organization Merchant Cash USA 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. Results of the survey are listed below:

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