What’s Next for Trucking in the Heart of the Midwest
If you live in Indiana, you’ve probably passed more trucks on the highway than you can count. Semis loaded with freight, flatbeds hauling farm equipment, tankers filled with fuel. They’re everywhere. And that’s not just by chance.
Indiana is one of the busiest freight states in the country. With major highways like I-65, I-70, and I-69 all running through it, the state serves as a connection point for goods moving in all directions. That means just about everything, food, furniture, construction materials, electronics, spends part of its journey rolling through Indiana.
Trucking, like every other part of the economy, is changing. Fast. The way goods move, the rules around safety, the tools companies are using, it’s all in motion. Let’s take a look at what’s happening in Indiana’s trucking industry, what’s pushing it to change, and what we might see next.
The State That Keeps Freight Moving
Indiana’s nickname, The Crossroads of America, didn’t come out of nowhere. The state ranks near the top nationally for freight movement, and it’s home to one of the largest FedEx hubs in the world (at the Indianapolis airport). Amazon, UPS, and countless smaller logistics companies also depend on the state’s infrastructure to move products quickly and reliably.
Beyond the big names, trucking powers a lot of smaller industries too. Farmers rely on trucks to move crops and supplies. Auto manufacturers ship parts and finished vehicles by road. Construction companies need building materials delivered on tight schedules. The list goes on.
And it’s not just about freight. The industry supports tens of thousands of jobs from long-haul drivers and dispatchers to diesel mechanics and warehouse crews. Between 2011 and 2021, Indiana’s transportation and warehousing sector grew by 36.8%, adding over 46,000 jobs.
But behind the steady flow of traffic, there are growing problems.
A Job That’s Getting Harder to Fill
One of the biggest challenges right now is finding people to drive the trucks. The average age of a truck driver in the U.S. is around 50, and many are retiring without enough younger people stepping in to replace them.
There are a few reasons for this. The job is demanding. Long hours on the road, time away from family, and the pressure of tight delivery schedules can wear people down. Plus, training to become a licensed commercial driver isn’t cheap, and pay hasn’t kept pace with the level of responsibility the job requires.
Some companies are offering bonuses, flexible routes, or even tuition coverage to attract new drivers. But it’s still an uphill battle.
The Cost of Keeping Trucks on the Road
Fuel prices are another problem. When diesel costs spike, it hits trucking companies hard, especially smaller ones that don’t have the volume or contracts to absorb it easily.
Then there’s the issue of maintenance. Trucks rack up thousands of miles every week. That means constant repairs, tire replacements, and inspections. And with supply chain delays still affecting some vehicle parts, keeping trucks running smoothly has gotten more complicated.
Add in insurance premiums, warehouse fees, and compliance costs, and it’s clear the business isn’t cheap to run. Trucking companies in Indiana, like everywhere else, are being forced to do more with less.
When Accidents Happen
With so many trucks on the road, accidents are bound to happen. And when they do, they often raise serious legal questions.
Truck crashes tend to be more complex due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, but also because multiple parties may be involved. The driver might be employed by a company or operate as an independent contractor. The truck might be owned by one business, the trailer by another, and the freight inside could belong to a third.
Indiana enforces both state and federal trucking regulations, covering driver hours, vehicle inspections, weight limits, and cargo securement. When these rules are violated and an accident occurs, liability may fall on more than one party. That’s why many companies consult an experienced truck accident attorney from Indiana to help navigate investigations and determine fault.
To avoid these costly and complicated outcomes, many fleet operators are prioritizing training, regular audits, and improved monitoring tools aimed at preventing accidents before they happen.
Technology Behind the Wheel
The trucking industry is changing in big ways, especially when it comes to technology.
Modern trucks are loaded with sensors and software that track everything from speed and braking to fuel efficiency and engine performance. GPS and route optimization tools help drivers avoid traffic, find fuel stations, and stick to delivery windows more easily.
Telematics systems now give fleet managers real-time data on every truck in their system. They can see if a driver is speeding, idling too long, or drifting out of a lane. Some systems even alert drivers when they show signs of fatigue or distraction.
Indiana has also become a testing ground for autonomous trucking. A few companies have been working with the state to test self-driving trucks on highways in limited, controlled scenarios. These vehicles still have human drivers in the cab for now, but the long-term goal is to eventually reduce the need for a driver entirely, especially on predictable, long-haul routes.
And as more companies look for cleaner ways to move goods, electric trucks are starting to enter the market. They aren’t everywhere yet, but you’ll likely see more of them on Indiana roads over the next few years, especially for shorter trips and city deliveries.
The Bottom Line
Trucking in Indiana isn’t going anywhere. If anything, its role in the country’s supply chain is more important than ever.
But the job is changing. Companies will need to adapt to new technology, update safety practices, and figure out how to recruit and retain the next generation of drivers. Policymakers, business leaders, and local communities will all have a role to play.
For now, the trucks will keep rolling. But what they look like, who’s driving them, and how they’re managed—that part is still being written.