Quick Facts

Capital City: Santa Fe
Population: 1,954,599
Top Industry: Agriculture
Total Area: 121,665 square miles

New Mexico is a southwestern state that is known for its unique culture and demographic. Because it borders Mexico, the state has strong Mexican ties and one of the largest Hispanic populations in the entire country. It also has a large population of Native Americans and many Indian reservations can be found throughout the state.

As for the trucking industry in New Mexico, nearly 90% of all freight produced and made in the state is transported at one time or another by a commercial truck. This fact alone makes truck drivers a worker that is constantly in high demand throughout all parts of the state.

New Mexico Climate

The climate of New Mexico is typical of a desert landscape. The land is dotted with high plateaus, mountain ranges, valleys, and canyons.

The state receives only small amounts of rain and the annual totals are usually only a few inches; the higher elevations in the mountains get more moisture during the year. There is plenty of sunshine year round with relatively low humidity. If you are a professional truck driver in New Mexico, you will most likely not experience many (if any) driving difficulties due to bad weather.

New Mexico Major Cities

• Albuquerque – The largest city in the state, Albuquerque is home to nearly half a million residents, with more residing in the outer metropolitan area. The city is home to the University of New Mexico and Kirtland Air Force Base.

• Las Cruces – Las Cruces is the second largest city in the state and is located in south central New Mexico, near the Rio Grande River. Here’s a fun fact: Las Cruces is home of the annual Whole Enchilada Fiesta and every year a giant flat red enchilada is made, averaging 10 feet long. The enchilada made for the 2004 festival currently holds the Guiness World Record for the world’s largest flat enchilada.

• Santa Fe – The state’s capital city has only a population of about 75,000 people. The city has a strong tourism industry, especially with the wide range of outdoor activities and events throughout the year.