General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance, Less Than Truckload — Business Survival Rate

An estimated 34% of general freight trucking, long-distance, less than truckload 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, Long-Distance, Less Than Truckload a Good Business to Start?

With a 34% five-year survival rate, general freight trucking, long-distance, less than truckload 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, long-distance, less than truckload businesses actually make?

See full revenue benchmarks for General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance, Less Than Truckload →

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of general freight trucking, long-distance, less than truckload businesses fail?
Approximately 66% of general freight trucking, long-distance, less than truckload 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, long-distance, less than truckload industry growing or shrinking?
The general freight trucking, long-distance, less than truckload 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.