In 2015, how many billion tons of freight were hauled by trucks?

Answer: B — 10.49 billion

The choice indicating that 10.49 billion tons of freight were hauled by trucks in 2015 reflects accurate data from the Federal Highway Administration and the American Trucking Association. This figure accounts for a significant portion of the overall freight transportation in the U.S., emphasizing the essential role of trucking in the supply chain. Trucking is a critical mode of transportation for both finished goods and raw materials, making it the dominant method for moving freight across the country. The number signifies not only the volume of goods transported but also the efficiency and effectiveness of the trucking industry in meeting the demands of commerce during that year. Understanding this statistic is vital as it highlights trends in freight transportation and can inform logistics and business strategies in industries reliant on trucking services. The other choices do not align with the reported data from that year, thus confirming that 10.49 billion is the most accurate representation of the freight shipped by trucks.