Where are all these trucks headed? The top destinations for North Carolina freight

Photo byRhys MoultonUnsplash

Ever wonder where all those semitrucks on the interstate are headed?

A recent analysis by Truck Parking Club using Bureau of Transportation Statistics data sheds some light on the top destinations for freight originating from North Carolina. Here’s what they found:

Top Destinations for Freight from North Carolina:

1. North Carolina
2. • Value of Freight: $260.9 billion
   • Share of Domestic Freight: 46.1%
   • Most of the freight stays within the state, moving goods from one part of North Carolina to another.
3. South Carolina
4. • Value of Freight: $40.4 billion
   • Share of Domestic Freight: 7.1%
   • South Carolina is the next top destination, likely due to its proximity and economic ties with North Carolina.
5. Virginia
6. • Value of Freight: $30.4 billion
   • Share of Domestic Freight: 5.4%
   • Virginia follows closely, with significant amounts of goods moving between the two neighboring states.
7. Ohio
8. • Value of Freight: $21.3 billion
   • Share of Domestic Freight: 3.8%
   • Ohio ranks fourth, highlighting its role as a key destination for goods from North Carolina.
9. Georgia
10. • Value of Freight: $18.4 billion
    • Share of Domestic Freight: 3.2%
    • Georgia rounds out the top five, reflecting its importance in the regional economy.

Interestingly, the trend of goods staying close to home isn't unique to North Carolina. In most states, the majority of freight is delivered within the same state, except in small states like Rhode Island. This trend is fueled by the rise of e-commerce, which has led to more regional warehouses and shorter delivery routes.

In the broader national picture, Texas and California are the top destinations for domestic freight due to their large economies and populations, making them key hubs for goods moving across the country. Trucks, the most common shipping method, typically carry construction materials, gas, oil, food, agricultural products, and waste.

Next time you see a semitruck on the road, you’ll have a better idea of where it might be headed!