Big rig truckers are in charge of transporting various goods across thousands of miles and just as many different destinations. While not one of the safest jobs in the country, being a big rig trucker can most certainly be one of the most satisfying. With the job comes the satisfaction of knowing what a vital part of the American transportation system and economy you are. Just like we thank the mailman or mailwoman for delivering that package we’ve been looking forward to, it’s big rig truckers whom we have to thank for delivering those packages to the post office safe and sound.

Truckers travel thousands of miles over the country’s network of interstates, highways, and various other types of terrain in order to keep businesses and our economy going strong no matter what the weather or the final destination might be. Learn what it’s like to be a big rig trucker, how much truckers receive for their diligent efforts, how much the industry is growing, the most popular trucking companies in the United States, and just how dangerous the business truly is.

No matter if you’ve been thinking about earning your commercial driver’s license, if you’ve been trucking for years, or if you’d just like more insight into the industry, the infographic below is sure to teach you more than a few things about America’s unsung heroes and heroines.