Economy Ranks Trucking Industry's Top Concern for Third Consecutive Year: ATRI Study

While the economy retained its No. 1 spot in American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI)’s 21^st annual Top Industry Issues report, lawsuit abuse reform and insurance cost and availability each rose one spot, to be the No. 2 and No. 3 top concerns, respectively. The lack of available truck parking dropped two spots this year to the No. 4 concern and driver compensation held on to its No. 5 position. 

Key takeaways:

·        This year’s list debuted four first-time issues, including English language proficiency for drivers and AI in trucking.

·        Driver training standard had been on the list of truck driver concerns since 2019, but this year garnered enough votes across all respondents to become the No. 9 overall top concern. Among truck driver respondents, it was ranked No. 7. 

·        Over 46% of the survey respondents were motor carrier executives and personnel; truck drivers represented 30%; with the remaining 23% made up of other freight stakeholders. 

·        Among truck driver respondents, driver compensation, truck parking and English language proficiency were the Top 3 concerns, while motor carriers ranked the economy, lawsuit abuse reform, and insurance cost and availability as their Top 3 concerns.