ATRI Gathering Opinions on Primary Issues in the Trucking Industry

Carrying on a procedure started in 2005, the American Transportation Research Institute is heading the annual Top Industry Issues Survey, created to furnish insight into the key issues accosting the trucking industry now and in the future.

American Trucking Associations Chairman Tommy Hodges advocates cooperation in the survey, keeping in mind the significance of keeping an eye on the horizon in “an ever-changing and unpredictable world,” in a letter to industry professionals.

Hodges writes, “The fragile state of the world economy leaves many of us wondering what the next day will bring. Furthermore, our industry will be faced with many sweeping new regulations in the coming months, the details of which still remain unclear at this time. With all this uncertainty surrounding us, it may seem difficult to plan for the future.”

“However, despite the uncertainty we face, I strongly feel that we must continue to anticipate the key issues that will likely affect our industry in order to protect the interests of the trucking community,” Hodges continues

The survey requires respondents to rank items such as CSA 2010, the driver shortage, Hours-of-Service, on-board truck technology, transportation infrastructure funding, the economy, environmental issues, fuel issues, truck size and weight, and government regulation.

There are proposed strategies for addressing each issue, and survey contributors are asked for their preferences.

The economy and government regulation were the top two issues identified by the industry in 2009.

The 2010 survey results will be made public at ATA’s Annual Management Conference and Exhibition to be held this October in Phoenix.

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) is part of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) Federation. ATRI is a celebrated leader in transportation-related research, an organization whose signature characteristic is innovative thinking, critical analysis, and uncompromised excellence. ATRI benefits from the broad support of the ATA and its members.

Over 35,000 motor carriers through the affiliated trucking associations in 50 states is what the ATA represents. ATRI’s excellent reputation within the trucking industry made state and federal agencies turn to ATRI for trucking-related research, specially when industry insight and participation is vital to the realization of the project.