The American Transportation Research Institute unveiled its list of the top 10 critical issues facing U.S. truckers.

In its October report, Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry – 2008, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) points to fuel costs and the economy as the two biggest challenges the United States trucking industry faces.

Of course, the headaches don’t end there.

“Not surprisingly, the trucking industry is confronted by a number of issues that are highly interrelated,” the ATRI report notes. “Faced with such complex challenges, it is important to identify and prioritize the top issues facing the industry as well as the strategies deemed most effective in mitigating the related consequences.”

The ATRI, part of the American Trucking Associations Federation, determined the following as the top 10 challenges the trucking industry currently faces, along with these direct observations:

Fuel Costs — “Though motor carriers in 2008 aggressively sought to recoup fuel cost increases with fuel surcharges, the industry simply could not keep pace with the unprecedented rise in diesel fuel costs… . The year 2008 was … significant in that fuel replaced labor costs as the top operating expense for most carriers.”

Economy — “As high fuel prices, a deepening credit crisis and rising inflationary pressures take a greater toll on the U.S. economy, the industry is pressed by increasing regulations, slumping demand, excess capacity and increases in both fixed and marginal key cost centers.”

Driver Shortage/Retention — “Although the persistent sluggishness of the economy relieves some pressure, respondents clearly remain concerned. Driver training, compensation and other issues create new difficulties in attracting new driver entrants and reducing driver turnover.”

Government Regulation — “Though primary safety regulation is the mandate of FMCSA, carriers face other significant regulations imposed by federal, state and local authorities. Examples include security-related driver credentials, owner-operator classification status and anti-idling laws.”

Hours-of-Services — “[T]he long-term status of HOS requirements remains uncertain as legal challenges and appeals are likely to continue. Respondents indicate a need to retain several elements of previous HOS regulations and that HOS regulations should be made more flexible in certain areas.”

Congestion — “Though congestion had seen a steady increase in the rankings since 2005, this latest drop may be explained by recent declines in vehicle trips and vehicle miles traveled resulting from fuel price increases for all road users.

Tolls/Highway Funding — “In 2008, tolls/highway funding issues gained prominence from several events, including the U.S. DOT announcement that the Highway Trust Fund was running out of money and the rejection of a congestion pricing program in New York City.”

Environmental Issues — “The proliferation of anti-idling regulations and other emission-reduction initiatives sought by more state and local governments has created concern that the compliance costs may exceed benefits.”

Tort Reform — “Tort reform seeks to minimize industry harm caused by inadequate and excessive civil judgments against trucking firms. The trucking industry, reflective of many other industries, seeks to clarify the distinction between civil tort liability and punitive damage awards.”

Onboard Truck Technology — “[T]he industry understands and supports many of the potential benefits of these technologies, even though many questions remain. The most prolific technology topic is electronic onboard recorders, most often cited as a potentially effective tool for monitoring HOS compliance.”

The ATRI also solicited strategies for addressing each issue and offers those proposed strategies in its report. The complete analysis can be found HERE.

Resources

Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry – 2008
The American Transportation Research Institute, October 2008

Fuel Costs Top Trucking’s List of Industry Concerns
The American Transportation Research Institute, Oct. 5, 2008