What Would Stop in a World Without Trucking?

Imagine a world without trucking. Most truck drivers have a keen sense that if trucking were to stop, then the nation would come to a standstill. A study by the American Trucking Associations suggests that “when trucks stop, America stops”. While truck drivers are strongly aware of this, perhaps most people in the general public don’t know that our economy depends on trucks to deliver ten billion tons of almost every commodity consumed. If trucks stopped, there would be catastrophic effects on the food industry, healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, finance, and more. Here’s a look at what happens in a world without trucking.

Within 24 hours

• Hospitals begin to run low on medical supplies.
• Mail delivery and package services would stop.
• Gas stations would begin to run low on fuel.
• Manufacturing slows down, due to lack of supplies delivered on time.

 Within 72 hours

• Gas supplies start to dwindle low within a few days, and prices would soar.
• Food supplies in grocery stores are depleted, causing the prices to skyrocket. Consumers start to panic and hoard food.
• Garbage starts to pile up to building-size, creating severe environmental and health consequences.
• Banks and ATMs would run out of resources, creating a panic due to lack of access to cash.

Within 1 week

• Sources of clean water will start to run low. Perishable food supplies almost depleted at food stores.
• Without new fuel supply, automobiles are no longer able to travel.
• Public safety threatened as police and fire departments unable to function properly.
• Hospitals lack basic supplies including oxygen.

Within 3-4 weeks

• Clean water supply dwindles completely. The only water safe for consumption is boiled water. Lack of clean water will lead to increased illnesses and public health risks.
• Manufacturing comes to a standstill with lack of components, leaving thousands of people unemployed.
• Air, rail, and maritime transportation will come to a halt due to lack of supplies for operation.
• Country moves closer toward economic collapse due to shock in the system.
• Health and public safety threatened as hospitals and law enforcement cannot function.
• Environmental catastrophe will be imminent as trash and hazardous materials pile up.

These are just a few of the effects that halting trucking would bring. A world without trucking would soon bring the national economy to a standstill. It would also severely damage public health, safety, and the environment. This year for National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, we should all be thankful for the truckers in the industry who keep their trucks, and the country, running smoothly!