General Freight Trucking, Local — Business Survival Rate

An estimated 34% of general freight trucking, local businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 19.3%.

34%
5-Year Survival Rate
+1.2%
Net Growth Rate
85,244
Total Firms
16,550
Annual Firm Deaths

Is General Freight Trucking, Local a Good Business to Start?

With a 34% five-year survival rate, general freight trucking, local has a below-average survival rate compared to the national average of ~50%. This indicates higher risk of failure — new entrants face significant competitive pressure or challenging economics.

The annual exit rate of 19.3% is elevated. If you're considering entering this industry, ensure adequate capitalization, a clear competitive advantage, and realistic timeline to profitability.

Entry vs. Exit Rates

Annual rate of new businesses opening versus existing businesses closing.

Entry Rate (new businesses)19.3%
Exit Rate (closures)19.3%

Net negative: more businesses closing than opening (-0.0 pp spread).

Job Creation & Destruction

15.7%
Job Creation Rate
14.5%
Job Destruction Rate
+1.2%
Net Job Growth

The industry is adding jobs faster than losing them — a positive sign for both workers and new business owners looking to hire. Total employment: 1,238,502 workers across 85,244 firms.

Want to know how much general freight trucking, local businesses actually make?

See full revenue benchmarks for General Freight Trucking, Local

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of general freight trucking, local businesses fail?
Approximately 66% of general freight trucking, local businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 19.3%, with 16,550 firms closing permanently in 2023.
Is the general freight trucking, local industry growing or shrinking?
The general freight trucking, local industry is currently stable with a net job creation rate of +1.2% per year. New businesses are entering at 19.3% while 19.3% close annually.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.