Trucking Jobs: Little Change Shown in May BLS Report

May 2025 Trucking Jobs Hold Steady Amid Broader Growth

Trucking Jobs Stay Steady in May 2025 Report

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its May 2025 employment report. The data showed that trucking jobs remained steady. This came as the U.S. economy added 139,000 nonfarm jobs overall. The national unemployment rate stayed at 4.2 percent.

Within the Truck Transportation subsector, employment stayed flat. This sector includes both general freight and specialized freight carriers. These carriers move everything from basic goods to oversized loads. Even with some economic concerns earlier in the year, demand for freight services stayed strong.

Trucking Jobs Reflect Stable Payrolls

The BLS report showed no major changes in trucking payrolls. Employment levels were similar to recent months. Trucking jobs continue to make up a consistent share of the transportation and warehousing sector.

The data did not include a breakdown of driver roles. Still, the job market appeared balanced. There were no large increases or cuts in trucking jobs.

April 2025 Data Confirms the Trend

Looking back at April 2025 helps show the bigger picture. That month, the unemployment rate also stood at 4.2 percent. In April 2024, it was slightly lower at 3.9 percent.

From April to May, unemployment rates stayed nearly the same in most states. Indiana and New York saw the biggest drops. Massachusetts, Iowa, and Virginia had small increases. This points to steady labor conditions that continue to support trucking jobs.

Jobs Supported by State Labor Markets

May’s state-level unemployment data shows a healthy environment for trucking jobs. South Dakota had the lowest unemployment at 1.8 percent. The District of Columbia had the highest at 5.9 percent.

In key trucking states, conditions remain favorable. For example, Alabama posted a 3.3 percent unemployment rate. That ranked as the 11th lowest in the nation. These numbers suggest good availability of workers for trucking jobs.

Trucking Jobs Trends in Early 2025

Several trends from the first five months of 2025 stand out:

1. Freight Demand Remains Steady
   Freight levels have stayed consistent. That has helped trucking companies avoid big changes to staffing.
2. Numbers Show No Big Swings
   Most states reported flat job numbers between April and May. Trucking jobs followed this same path. Companies are not adding many new jobs, but they are not cutting either.
3. Slow Wage Growth
   In May, average hourly earnings rose by 15 cents. This trend matches what is happening across many industries. Trucking jobs are seeing similar modest gains.
4. Unemployment Holds at 4.2 Percent
   The national unemployment rate stayed the same in both April and May. This signals stability. Trucking companies can count on a steady labor pool.

What These Trends Mean

The trucking sector continues to hold steady. Companies are not dealing with sharp labor shortages or layoffs. They can focus on retaining drivers and matching freight demand.

For drivers, the outlook is also steady. Wage growth is slow but positive. Jobs remain available in most areas.

Outlook for the Rest of 2025

Looking ahead, experts expect these trends to continue:

• Trucking Jobs: Growth will likely be slow but steady. There are no signs of major changes in hiring or layoffs.
• Wages: Pay may rise gradually. That depends on labor demand in each region.
• Economic Conditions: If consumer spending and manufacturing stay strong, freight demand—and truck driver jobs—will remain solid. Infrastructure projects could also support additional freight movement.

Trucking Jobs Snapshot: May 2025

• National Jobs: The U.S. added 139,000 nonfarm jobs in May.
• Unemployment: Held at 4.2 percent for the second month in a row.
• Jobs: Remained stable with no large gains or losses.
• April Trends: Very similar to May, supporting a steady outlook.
• Regional Picture: Truck driver jobs are supported by low unemployment in many states, including Alabama and South Dakota.
• Forecast: A steady year for trucking jobs, with small wage increases and balanced hiring.

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