OVERVIEWHave you ever wondered how you were able to get fresh produce during seasonal hard knocks or how some customers were able to purchase a Christmas tree in Texas? The trucking industry likely played a huge role in making these things happen. The truck industry has become a competitive market with many challenges based on economics, climate and new technologies. As the increased demand for goods sent to more rural locations and the demand for timely delivery of goods have skyrocketed the demand for the trucking industry. Since the trucking industry is a competitive market, economics plays a critical role in whether or not companies survive. Many companies now have to pay for fuel costs, truck repairs and advancements, not to mention keeping unions and truck employees happy. There are many other factors that have influenced the upward and downward trends of this industry. Some of the factors are wars, economic depressions, government regulations, state regulations, and driver regulations. To maintain a complete advantage in this industry, new technologies need to be considered, such as new technologies in tires, engines using biofuels, etc. HISTORY OF THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY Before the rise of the trucking industry was a time when we transported goods and services by rail. However, the rail industry was limited in terms of flexibility and reach to external areas. Slowly, after the inventions of internal combustion engines led to the distribution of goods and services via the automobile. There were hundreds of truck manufacturers in the early 20th century, but only a couple stood out: Mack, Peterbilt, Chevrolet, and International, who adapted to the market to help build a better future for the trucking industry. After the invention of the engine and the emergence of manufacturing companies, many people began to take advantage of the market. Drivers soon began creating their own trucking companies that used multiple trucks or a single truck. Because the railroad was unable to reach these rural areas, the trucking industry emerged as trucks traveled longer distances on cobbled and dirt roads, from New York to Philadelphia. Soon, larger companies began to emerge with fleets of trucks capable of quickly shipping goods and services between major cities in the United States. However, the first major boom in the trucking industry in the United States occurred during the postwar years '20..