Economy Remains Top Issue For Industry, ATRI Poll Says

GRAPEVINE, Texas — The economy topped the list of critical issues facing the trucking industry for the third consecutive year, the American Transportation Research Institute said.

The group’s annual survey, released here Oct. 17 during American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition, found the hours-of-service rule was the second-biggest concern, followed by the shortage of qualified truck drivers.

“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 Bill Graves said in a statement.

“In order to be effective advocates, we must base our arguments in sound research and in common sense,” Graves said. “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.”

At a press conference accompanying the release of the survey, ATRI Chairman Steve Williams said the survey’s results were “dead-on,” and the annual survey definitely “helps to shape ATA policy.”

Williams is CEO of flatbed carrier Maverick USA.

ATRI data showed that 31.2% of survey respondents said the economy was their top concern, down from 51.6% in 2009. The group said this illustrates that there has been some improvement, but much uncertainty remains.

Respondents encouraged ATA to push for policies that will maintain the recovery and benefit trucking through increases in freight demand, ATRI said. They also suggested promoting the role of trucking in putting Americans back to work and addressing issues such as the trade deficit to improve long-term economic stability.

The federal hours-of-service regulation for drivers moved up two spots from last year’s list to the second-largest concern. ATRI said 16.2% ranked it as the top concern, and 46.5% placed it in the top three spots.

The federal government is expected shortly to issue a new HOS rule, which could cut back on driving and on-duty time.

Respondents said it is important for trucking to continue to emphasize its improving safety record and encourage methods for combating driver fatigue other than HOS changes.

ATRI President Rebecca Brewster said at the press conference that, if the industry views the new HOS rule as favorable, it is likely the issue will slide off the list in future years.

The driver shortage inched up to No. 3 this year, from No. 5 last year, which ATRI said was in part “an indicator that the economic recovery is progressing.”

The group noted there was larger separation between those considering the issue “high priority” and “low priority” compared with other issues.

ATRI attributed this gap to “the unevenness” of the shortage among differing companies and sectors.

Suggested strategies to combat the driver shortage issue include developing programs to better address work/life balance and reevaluating driver pay and benefits.

Williams and Douglas Stotlar, CEO of Con-way Inc., both indicated they expect the shortage to move further up the list in the coming years.

Uncertainty surrounding the future of the electronic onboard recorder mandate could make the issue more prominent, Williams added.

The other top 10 critical issues, in order, are: the CSA safety ratings program, fuel, congestion, transportation funding, tort reform, onboard truck technology, and truck size and weight.

Stotlar noted that CSA probably moved down the list of concerns because the industry has become more comfortable with the program, and the government has shown a willingness to listen to suggestions and make tweaks to the scoring system.

All of the critical industry issues have appeared previously on ATRI’s list, with only congestion and tort reform not ranking in the top 10 in the 2010 survey.