Economy, Regulations Top Trucking Industry’s Concerns, ATRI Says

PHOENIX — The economy and government regulations are the two most pressing issues facing the trucking industry, according to a survey of executives conducted by the American Transportation Research Institute.

The top four issues were the sluggish economy, changes brought on by CSA 2010, other government regulations and the hours-of-service rule, according to ATRI’s annual list of critical issues facing the trucking industry released here Sunday at American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference and Exhibition.

“ATRI’s annual survey gives us a clear roadmap of the strategies we collectively need to pursue as an industry,” said ATA Chairman Tommy Hodges, chairman of Titan Transfer, Shelbyville, Tenn.

CSA 2010 appeared on the list for the first time ever 2010, with roughly 25% of respondents saying it was their top concern, “not only due to the expansive nature of FMCSA’s new regulatory framework, but also due to the uncertain impact CSA will have on carriers and drivers.” Click here for TT special report on CSA (PDF file).

Other top issues cited by the survey included:

• fuel;

• transportation funding and infrastructure;

• onboard truck technology;

• environmental issues; and

• truck size and weight.