While the trucking industry faces obstacles such as driver shortages, it still provides a substantial impact on West Virginia's economy.

Not only does it provide one out of every 17 jobs in the state, it also provides a hefty amount of funding to state and federal governments through fees and taxes, according to the West Virginia Motor Truck Association.

In 2004, the industry paid approximately $228 million in federal and state roadway taxes. That represents 38 percent of all taxes and fees paid by motorists in the state, according to the association.

The industry is a major funding component for the West Virginia Turnpike. According to the state Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority's 2007 financial report, commercial vehicles accounted for 54 percent of the $57.2 million collected in tolls.

Other state agencies feel an impact as well. Every tractor-trailer that travels in the Mountain State must be registered by the state Division of Motor Vehicles.

Altogether, there are about 3,100 trucking companies registered in West Virginia and approximately 11,600 trucks based in the state, said Glenn Pauley, director of Vehicle Services for the DMV. The registration fee for a normal-sized tractor-trailer, or 80,000 pounds, is $1,132, he said.

West Virginia-based carriers also paid $9.6 million in ad valorem taxes, which are similar to personal property taxes and are sent to counties for their use, Pauley said.

"The trucking industry is a major player in ensuring our operations continue," he said.