NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Federal officials should focus more on efforts to reduce traffic congestion along the country’s main roadways, a move that would help retain drivers across the trucking industry, American Trucking Associations Chief Economist Bob Costello said.

The U.S. economy will accelerate during the remainder of this year after a tough first quarter, but rising operating costs will continue to limit fleets’ profitability, according to the latest forecast from the chief economist at American Trucking Associations.