The American Transportation Research Institute is asking drivers and carrier executives once more: what ails you?
ATRI’s 2024 Top Industry Issues survey asks respondents to voice their top three issues of concern in trucking. Answers can come from a lengthy list of 26 options as well as a fill-in-the-blank response.
“ATRI’s research provides an opportunity for thousands of trucking industry professionals, from drivers to executives, to weigh in on the most critical topics that affect our day-to-day operations and collectively decide on the best strategies for addressing each,” American Trucking Associations Chair Andrew Boyle said in a statement.
The nonprofit arm of the ATA reveals the survey results during an annual session at the ATA Management Conference & Exhibition, taking place this year in Nashville in October.
The economy took the top spot last year, while in 2022 fuel prices dethroned the driver shortage in the rankings for the first time in five years.
The economy could keep the crown in 2024, especially if freight markets don’t show more signs of improvement. Executives have been noting the trucking freight recession’s deep impact, a sentiment that could be reflected in survey votes.
But this year’s list could feature new additions to the top 10 rankings.
“Zero-Emission Vehicles” joined the top 10 last year for the first time. ATRI changed the description in this year’s survey to hone in on “Battery Electric Vehicles.” That leaves hydrogen-powered fuel cells and other technology off the list of provided answers. Charging wasn’t explicitly listed, but another option is “Transportation Infrastructure.”
Other options on the survey that have not previously been among trucking’s chief issues over the past decade include cannabis legalization and independent contractor status.
