#United States #San Diego #American Transportation Research Institute #trucking industry #Economy

The Ongoing Economic Struggles of the Trucking Industry

For the third consecutive year, the economic landscape remains the predominant concern for the trucking industry, as indicated by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) in their recently released 21st annual Top Industry Issues report. This extensive analysis identifies the various challenges that players in the trucking sector are grappling with.

In this year’s report, the economy has held its position as the number one concern, with the report underscoring that the industry is navigating an enduring freight recession that has seen operational costs soar to unprecedented levels. Shrinking freight prices compound these challenges, presenting a crisis for operations. Andy Owens, President of AM Transport, articulates the severity of the situation: "Operating costs have hit their peak while freight pricing has bottomed out, making it vital for us to understand our challenges and strategize collectively."

According to the findings, the second most pressing issue is Lawsuit Abuse Reform, which has risen in priority this year, while Insurance Cost and Availability follows closely in third place. Moreover, the perennial shortage of Truck Parking has slipped from the second to fourth position, highlighting the ongoing struggle for sufficient parking spaces for trucks on the road. Additionally, Driver Compensation remains a critical concern, holding its ground as the fifth major issue.

Among the emerging trends in the trucking sector, English Language Proficiency for Drivers and Artificial Intelligence in Trucking have made their debut in the report as notable new matters impacting the workforce and technological adaptation within the industry. Meanwhile, Driver Training Standards, previously identified as a concern since 2019, has gained enough traction to be recognized as the ninth overall concern, particularly among truck drivers, where it ranked seventh.

The report is based on data collected from over 4,200 industry stakeholders, an increase of 14% from the previous year’s responses. The survey included varied participants such as motor carrier executives, truck drivers, and other stakeholders involved in freight transport, providing a comprehensive view of the industry's priorities.

Motor Carrier Perspectives: For motor carrier executives, the top three concerns prominently included the economy, lawsuit reform, and insurance expenses. In contrast, truck drivers expressed their primary worries as driver compensation, truck parking availability, and the proficiency of the English language among their peers. This divergence in concerns reflects the multifaceted nature of challenges faced within the trucking industry.

The official release of the survey results coincided with the 2025 American Trucking Associations' Management Conference and Exhibition, emphasizing the importance of the data in shaping policies and approaches to address these industry challenges.

In summary, the 2025 ATRI report presents a critical insight into the trucking industry’s current challenges, with economic pressures being paramount. As stakeholders continue to navigate this treacherous terrain, collective efforts to enact reforms and increase efficiencies may hold the key to overcoming these persistent issues. The full report is accessible on ATRI’s official website, serving as an essential resource for understanding and tackling the ongoing issues in one of the nation’s most vital industries.