In The News

ATRI collecting opinions on top trucking issues

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Continuing a process begun in 2005, the American Transportation Research Institute is conducting the annual Top Industry Issues Survey, designed to provide insight into the critical issues confronting the trucking industry now and in the future.

In a letter to industry professionals, American Trucking Associations Chairman Tommy Hodges encourages participation in the survey, noting the importance of keeping an eye on the horizon in “an ever-changing and unpredictable world.”

“The fragile state of the world economy leaves many of us wondering what the next day will bring. Furthermore, our industry will be faced with many sweeping new regulations in the coming months, the details of which still remain unclear at this time. With all this uncertainty surrounding us, it may seem difficult to plan for the future,” Hodges writes. “However, despite the uncertainty we face, I strongly feel that we must continue to anticipate the key issues that will likely affect our industry in order to protect the interests of the trucking community.”

The survey asks respondents to rank items such as CSA 2010, Hours-of-Service, the driver shortage, onboard truck technology, the economy, transportation infrastructure funding, environmental issues, truck size and weight, fuel issues, and government regulation.

Strategies for addressing each issue are also proposed, and survey participants are asked for their preferences.

The top two issues identified by the industry in 2009 were the economy and government regulation.

The results of the 2010 survey will be released at ATA’s Annual Management Conference and Exhibition to be held this October in Phoenix.

ATRI is the research arm of the ATA.

The survey is available at www.atri-online.org .

Kevin Jones of The Trucker staff can be reached for comment at [email protected] .

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