Traffic Isn’t Just Annoying – It’s Expensive

‍Traffic has become more than a daily inconvenience; it’s a major economic burden. As TheTrucker.com reports, congestion costs the trucking industry an estimated $108.8 billion. Highways are meant to keep freight moving efficiently, but when trucks slow down, the entire system slows with them. Deliveries take longer, productivity drops, and goods become harder to access. And when supply can’t meet demand, prices rise - fast.

‍Before and After the Pandemic – How We Got Here

‍Road congestion didn’t start with the pandemic. In 2018 alone, it cost Americans around $87 billion. Then the world stopped. Fewer cars and reduced movement temporarily eased traffic, bringing costs down. But once the country reopened, gridlock returned quickly. Data from 2021 and 2022 shows congestion climbing back to - and in some places beyond - pre-pandemic levels, proving how persistent the issue really is.

‍How Infrastructure Can Break the Cycle

‍There’s no simple shortcut for solving congestion, but the path forward is clear: investing in infrastructure. States are collaborating with federal and regional partners to modernize highways, increase capacity, and target high-impact traffic hotspots. Improving interstate connectivity strengthens the supply chain, cuts costs, reduces delays, and boosts overall efficiency. When trucks move freely, businesses save money and consumers benefit.

‍What Researchers Look At When Calculating the Real Cost

‍To measure the true cost of congestion, researchers track several important indicators within a single framework - average truck speed, annual miles traveled, and operational expenses. Slower speeds point to heavier traffic. High mileage reflects freight movement across states. And operational costs show how quickly expenses spike when trucks waste time and fuel in gridlock. Every hour a truck sits still increases the cost of delivering goods.

‍Why Fixing Traffic Matters for Everyone, Not Just Truckers

‍The financial impact varies across states, but the solution remains universal: stronger, more reliable infrastructure. Reducing congestion supports a healthier economy by improving the movement of goods, lowering operational costs, and creating a more stable supply chain for everyone. Better roads don’t only benefit truckers - they benefit every American who relies on timely, affordable products.