New Research by ATRI Focuses on Soaring Commercial Auto Insurance Costs and Risk Management

New Research by ATRI

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) is launching a new initiative aimed at examining the concerning rise in commercial auto insurance costs and the various strategies for managing risks. The study seeks motor carriers willing to share their experiences and data to foster a deeper understanding of this pressing issue.

Insurance premiums for trucking liability have skyrocketed by 36 percent per mile over the past eight years, despite a notable decline in truck accidents during the same period. As reported, insurance cost and availability, along with abuses related to lawsuits, were highlighted as significant challenges facing the trucking industry in 2025.

To address the financial strain these rising costs place on fleets, many carriers are reassessing their risk management strategies. This often includes the adoption of innovative technologies, enhanced training programs, and alternative insurance solutions such as self-insurance or captives. Previous ATRI research provided insight into how fleets sought savings by reducing coverage levels and increasing deductibles, which, while incentivizing some safety improvements, still left many dealing with soaring premiums.

The Research Advisory Committee (RAC) at ATRI has prioritized this expanded research effort to provide a comprehensive view of industry-wide trends regarding the adaptation and effectiveness of these evolving strategies. Motor carriers are encouraged to share data regarding their coverage stacks from the years 2021 to 2024 and to disclose their implementation of safety technologies and alternative insurance arrangements. All submissions will be treated with the highest confidentiality to ensure that only aggregate data is analyzed, with the option for ATRI to enter into non-disclosure agreements if requested.

Josh Hankins, Senior VP of Safety and Security for J.B. Hunt, expressed a critical perspective on this issue stating, “The total cost of risk is growing annually for every fleet, regardless of size. While many carriers are cutting back on insurance coverage to control expenses, premiums keep climbing—and reducing coverage only heightens exposure to catastrophic litigation.” He described the present scenario as a “perfect insurance storm” for trucking.

To assist fleets in navigating these challenges, the research will provide significant insights into various strategies they can pursue to mitigate rising costs. All participating carriers will gain access to a customized report that compares their fleet's risk costs against an anonymized peer group, allowing for better understanding and planning.

Motor carriers interested in participating can complete the survey through a PDF format or online. The deadline for submissions is set for Friday, December 19.

ATRI operates as a 501c3 not-for-profit organization focused on researching and understanding the vital role of freight transportation in creating a safe, secure, and efficient transportation infrastructure. Through this new research, ATRI aims to shed light on critical factors influencing the future of commercial auto insurance and help fleets make informed decisions on risk management.