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ATRI releases analysis of operational costs of trucking

ARLINGTON, Va. – The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) today released the findings of its analysis on the operational costs of trucking.  The research was sponsored by ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee (RAC) to provide more realistic inputs for the various freight and transportation programs and models currently in use.

“Operational costs are difficult to benchmark due to variations in the way companies account for different costs, however, the marketplace is in need of current data,” said John Culp, chief financial officer for Maverick USA.  “Some of the industry data being used today for infrastructure investment considerations is 10 years old or more.”

The analysis of operational costs was based on marginal cost data that accrue from operating a truck for a mile or an hour in a standard operating environment.  Fixed costs were not included since they are generally unaffected by system impacts such as congestion or external factors such as fuel price fluctuations.  The research, which generated data from detailed carrier surveys and interviews, isolated dozens of cost centers for for-hire and private fleets. 

The data that is being made publicly available includes marginal operational costs that are differentiated by major sectors, fleet sizes and geographic regions.  Within those groupings, marginal costs are broken out by expense categories that include driver compensation, maintenance, fuel/oil, vehicle purchases/leases, tires, taxes, credentials and particular types of insurance, among others.  Total aggregate mean costs generated an average cost per mile of $1.73 and an average hourly cost of $83.68.

According to Ed Miller, Motor Carrier Policy Officer with the Maryland Department of Transportation Office of Freight Logistics and ATRI RAC member, “Transportation planners and managers in government need to have real-world, accurate data that isn’t generated from speculation and anecdotes.  This data can help us better understand the real impact of transportation policy changes on the trucking industry.”

A summary of the findings is available on ATRI’s Web site by clicking here.  A copy of the full report can also be ordered from ATRI through its website.

ATRI is the trucking industry’s 501(c)(3) not-for-profit research organization.  It is engaged in critical research relating to freight transportation’s essential role in maintaining a safe, secure and efficient transportation system.

The Trucker staff can be reached to comment on this article at [email protected] .