In The News

ATRI: Economy heads ‘top 10’ critical trucking issues list

GRAPEVINE, Texas — For the third year in a row, the state of the economy heads the American Transportation Research Institute’s (ATRI) list of the top 10 critical issues facing North America’s trucking industry.

ATRI, the not-for-profit research arm of the American Trucking Associations, unveiled the list Monday during the annual American Trucking Associations Management Conference and Exhibition under way here.

The proposed changes to federal commercial driver Hours of Service rules caused that issue to climb in this year’s survey to the number two spot.  In contrast to concerns over the economy, a driver shortage is affecting parts of the industry, causing that issue to rise to the third position on the list.  While many stakeholders believe that the impacts of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) program may be a contributing factor to the driver shortage, a growing understanding and acceptance of CSA led it to drop two places to number four on the list.

The complete top 10 list includes the economy, HOS, the driver shortage, CSA, fuel prices, congestion, infrastructure funding, tort reform, onboard truck technology and truck size and weight.

The ATA-commissioned survey’s results and proposed strategies will be utilized by the ATA Federation to better focus its advocacy role on behalf of the U.S. trucking industry and ATA Federation stakeholders.

"ATRI's annual survey of industry concerns provides ATA, and all of trucking, a blueprint for identifying the top issues we need to take up with our elected leaders and policymakers across the country," said ATA Chairman Barbara Windsor, president and CEO of Hahn Transportation Inc.

"As we navigate these increasingly challenging times, it is critical for our industry leaders to advocate for policies that make it easier for them to deliver life’s essentials safely and efficiently,” ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said. “In order to be effective advocates, we must base our arguments in sound research and in common sense. The results of ATRI’s survey not only give us the tools to do that, but should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers nationwide.”

Lyndon Finney of The Trucker staff may be contacted to comment at [email protected] .

www.theTrucker.com