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ATRI Invites For-Hire Motor Carriers to Participate in 2026 Operational Costs Data Collection

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has officially announced an invitation for for-hire motor carriers to take part in its annual report on the Operational Costs of Trucking for the year 2026. As a reputable source relied upon by numerous industry leaders, the report serves as a key indicator of current freight market conditions and is considered the foremost benchmarking tool for motor carriers across the entire industry spectrum, from independent owner-operators to well-established fleets with over 10,000 trucks.

This report meticulously tracks various cost metrics that are essential to the trucking sector, including but not limited to driver compensation, equipment expenses, and insurance costs. Additionally, it assesses significant performance indicators such as non-revenue mileage, driver productivity, frequency of breakdowns, and revenue generation per truck on a weekly basis. With an insightful glance at these metrics, carrier operators can gain a clearer understanding of their operational efficiencies and financial viability.

One standout feature of this initiative is the provision of customized reports to all participant carriers, which allows them to compare their operational costs against those of similar companies in an anonymized format. This update is especially beneficial for returning participants, as the customized reports for 2026 will now include year-over-year comparisons. This enhancement provides truck operators with a valuable tool to evaluate their performance trends over time, offering them insights into how their costs and operations evolve in the competitive landscape.

According to Andrew Hadland, Chief Financial Officer of Hirschbach Motor Lines, "There are signs of growing opportunities for trucking in 2026, but only if fleets can maintain disciplined, nimble operations." He emphasizes that ATRI's Operational Costs of Trucking report is a crucial component in ensuring that fleets can navigate through current economic challenges while optimizing their performance metrics.

For interested for-hire motor carriers, the submission deadline for participation in this valuable data collection effort is set for Friday, April 24, 2026. Carriers can conveniently submit their 2025 data online or via PDF format, both of which are accessible through the ATRI website. Along with this submission process, participants can also find a sample customized report and additional resources designed to assist them in their participation journey. Importantly, all data provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, ensuring that it is only published in anonymized averages to protect the privacy of participating companies.

ATRI stands out as a non-profit 501(c)(3) research organization dedicated to conducting essential research focused on the pivotal role of freight transportation in fostering a safe, secure, and efficient transportation ecosystem. Through their rigorous data collection and reporting methods, they play a vital role in illuminating the challenges and opportunities within the trucking industry, helping all stakeholders make informed decisions that ultimately benefit the freight movement landscape.

As the trucking industry braces for further developments in 2026, participation in ATRI’s Operational Costs of Trucking initiative is a proactive step for motor carriers aiming to enhance their operational efficiencies and position themselves favorably in the evolving freight market.