![\"Transportation](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/transportation-sector-and-us-total-unemployment-rate-may-2019-through-may-2025.PgTGMDqL7i.png\")
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The unemployment rate in the U.S. transportation sector in May was 4.4%, a drop from 5.5% in May 2024, and slightly above pre-pandemic May 2019 level of 4.3%.<\/p>\n
The overall U.S. unemployment rate was 4.0% in May.<\/p>\n
Why trucking jobs are volatile<\/p>\n
Volatility in employment likely stems from trade war disruptions<\/a>, said David Spencer, vice president of market intelligence at Arrive Logistics.<\/p>\n \u201cAs we have seen with import orders, large tariffs led to big cuts, which were followed by a recovery once tariffs were reduced to more manageable levels,\u201d Spencer said.<\/p>\n Spencer noted that sustained high tariff environment will impact transportation demand through import levels and weigh on the consumer, further reducing demand. Conversely, any tariff relief would likely to help stabilize both demand and employment.\u00a0<\/p>\n Spencer emphasized that the uncertainty around trade policy may encourage carriers to retain experienced drivers. \u201cChallenges with hiring drivers during COVID is still fresh in their minds,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Consumer spending and freight demand<\/p>\n \u201cSigns of the drag from tariffs are beginning to surface,\u201d said Tuan Nguyen, economist at RSM, adding that tariffs continue to weigh on economic activity, dampening both business investment and consumer purchases, a discouraging short-term sign for the sector.<\/p>\n Nguyen noted that if the anticipated consumer spending slowdown materializes over the next few months, trucking employment may decline further. Currently, there are few tailwinds from either the government or the Federal Reserve to support the broader economy in a way that would directly benefit trucking, which remains tightly linked on consumption trends.<\/p>\n Until there\u2019s greater clarity on trade policy and progress in negotiations, Nguyen said businesses are likely to remain cautious about expanding workforce.<\/p>\n Consumer Price Index\u2019s May data was lower than market expectations, as consumer prices rose 0.1% month-over-month, with a 2.4% year-over-year increase.<\/p>\n